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THE LETTERS OF 
MOORE FURMAN 



This Edition is limited to 
Three Hundred and Fifty 
copies. 



THE LETTERS OF 

MOORE FURMAN 



DEPUTY QUARTER-MASTER, 
GENERAL OF NEW JERSEY 
IN THE REVOLUTION 



COMPILED AND EDITED WITH 
GENEALOGICAL NOTES BY THE 
HISTORICAL RESEARCH COMMIT- 
TEE OF THE NEW JERSEY SOCIETY 
OF THE COLONIAL DAMES OF 
AMERICA 




/ 



PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY BY 

FREDERICK H. HITCHCOCK 

NEW YORK MCMXII 



MrrF. 



a « 



Copyright 1912 

By the New Jersey Society 

of the Colonial Dames 






FOREWORD. 

These letters, recently placed at our disposal, have seemed to 
us worthy of publication, because of the vivid personal way in 
which they touch upon the early years of our Republic. They 
show how desperate the struggle was to finance the armies 
of the revolting colonies ; they show how conscientious the men 
were who assumed this task and what an important factor they 
were in the ultimate success of their cause. 

After this military victory, they were forced to face and con- 
quer even more difficult problems ; a nation must be formed and 
a constitution framed. This time, — a time of intense party 
feeling, when the narrow ideas of the conservative clashed at 
every moment with the new thoughts and aspirations of the 
leader of the young democracy, — appears as contemporary 
history in these pages. We hear also far echoes of the world- 
shaping events from across the sea. 

Moore Furman belonged to the Democratic-Republican party 
and was among the progressive men of his time. To his letters 
a few by another hand have been added to give a more detailed 
picture of his life and times. 

So far as the sources of our notes have appeared in published 
form they are here noted ; some data, however, has been gleaned 
from unpublished letters kindly lent us by Mr. Herman Le Roy 
Edgar. The compilers would be indeed remiss if they sent 
out this publication without expressing their grateful appreci- 
ation of the kindness of those who have made their project an 
accomplished fact. We desire to thank all who have helped us, 
especially Mr. Edgar, to whom many of the original letters be- 
long; Dr. I. Minos Hays, of the American Philosophical So- 
ciety of Philadelphia, for the privilege of copying those in 
possession of his society; to Captain E. E, Rogers, of the 
Adjutant General's office in Trenton, N. J., and to Dr. Jordan, 
of the Pennsylvania Historical Society. The unfailing patience 
and the assistance of Miss Smith, Librarian of the Colonial 
Dames of New York ; Mr. Spofford, of the Pennsylvania His- 



Vi FOREWOED 

torical Society Library in Philadelphia; Miss Askew, of the 
New Jersey State Library, and the Librarian of the Public Li- 
brary of New York, as well as the wise advice of our publisher, 
Mr. F. H. Hitchcock, we desire also to gratefully acknowledge. 
Mary Scudder Jamieson, 
Mary Jackson Kearfoot, 
Anne de B. MacIlvaine, Chairman. 

Trenton, New Jersey. 
January, 1912. 



INTRODUCTION 

Moore Furman, the writer of the following letters, derives his 
descent from the family of Furman, which can be traced back 
through the gentry of Suffolk County, England, to the early 
part of the sixteenth century. The immediate ancestors of the 
emigrant, John Furman, came from Stoke Nayland, County 
Suffolk. 

John Furman came to Massachusetts in 1631 and was one of 
the original purchasers of Newtown, Long Island, in 1656, 
where he died in 1665. He had a wife, Mary, and children, 
Josias, John, a daughter who married a Beers and another who 
married a How. Josias married Sarah Strickland and was a 
Freeholder in Newtown in 1665 and Commissioner of Highways 
in 1700 and died 1709. He had sons, John, Josias, Joseph, 
David, Samuel and Jonathan. Samuel and his brothers Josias 
and Jonathan moved from Newtown to Hopewell Township, 
Province of New Jersey, and built there a substantial stone 
house at a point subsequently known as Furman's Corner. He 
had a wife, Elizabeth, and sons, Jonathan, Samuel and David, 
and died in 1753. 

Jonathan, who was of age in 1722, seems to have acquired 
much property, not only in Hopewell Township, but near Pitts- 
town, in Sussex County, and also in Burlington County. He 
married first Miss Moore of the family from Suffolk County, 
England, and second, Dinah, widow of Andrew Pettit, of Am- 
well, Hunterdon County, N. J. She was the mother of Deputy 
Quartermaster General Charles Pettit, of Philadelphia., 

Jonathan Furman had three children, Moore, Josias and 
Anne. Josias married Deborah Ringo, and Anne, Joseph 
Yard. Moore was bom May 1, 1728 at Hopewell, and spent 
his early days at the homestead. It is not known where he re- 
ceived his education, though his writings prove it was above 
the average of his day, the various changes in punctuation, 
spelling and capitalizing being the usual thing with gentle- 

vii 



viii Introduction 

men of education of his time. In 1757 he was already an 
active resident of Trenton, N. J. He was High Sheriff of 
Hunterdon County in 1757 and appointed Postmaster of Tren- 
ton in the same year. The year before he had been appointed 
one of the Commissioners for the JRelief of Prisoners Confined 
for Debt. He subscribed to the first magazine published in 
New Jersey, by James Parker, at Woodbridge, in 1757, and 
also to the first newspaper. The New Jersey Gazette, published 
by Isaac Collins in 1777, and received subscriptions for all im- 
portant pubhcations. When the Library Company was started 
at Trenton, March 27, 1759, he was made Secretary. He was 
a partner with Andrew Reed in the mercantile business in Tren- 
ton and was the manager of several important lotteries. The 
object of one was to repay money advanced by the Government 
for the settlement of Indian claims in New Jersey, of another 
to establish an English and Grammar School. In 1760 he was 
appointed a Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church and in 
1762 its Treasurer. As early as 1756 he had bought property 
in Trenton and continued to acquire land there, also at Pitts- 
town, N. J., large tracts in Eastern Pennsylvania and several 
hundred acres at Saratoga and Ballstown, N. Y. In 1762 he 
removed to Philadelphia, forming with William Coxe, Mayor 
of Philadelphia, the firm of Coxe & Furman, later admitting 
the Mayor's distinguished son, Tench Coxe, the firm then be- 
coming Coxe, Furman & Coxe, the leading importers of the city, 
with warehouses occupying the Arch Street wharf, Phila- 
delphia. 

The members of the firm appear as signers of the Non- 
importation Act in 1765. In 1771 Mr. Furman became in- 
volved in a difference with another merchant in Philadelphia, 
whom he and his former partner, Mr. Reed, accused of unfair 
dealings. The matter got into the public print and resulted in 
a challenge to a duel. Mr. Furman's letter in answer is worth 
reprinting here: 
"Sir: 

"I received yours this morning, by which I find you have 
construed my forbearance to make any reply to the piece you 
have published (which was really omitted out of tenderness to 
you) as a token of guilt. 'Tis true, you don't mention my 
name, but you now declare me, by your letter, the person who 
has injured you. I will therefore immediately set myself about 



Introduction ix 

collecting such proof as is necessary to support what I have 
said and as soon as convenient, lay them before the public. If 
in any one point, I find myself mistaken, I shall cheerfully 
acknowledge it. As to your proposal, I do not think it is a 
proper way to settle the matter. The loss of life will only 
show madness and not establish or regain character. Both 
you and I have families, whom we are under the most solemn 
obligation to support as long as it is in our power. To face 
the world and do that is true courage. If in a short time, I 
should fail to give both you and the public satisfaction, you 
will have an opportunity of seeing me hereafter as frequently 
in every place where my business calls me, as you have hereto- 
fore. 

"Your humble servant, 

"M. Furman." 

Monday, 12 o'clock. 

The Pennsylvania Journal, Oct. 31, 1771. 

He was appointed one of the Captains of the Philadelphia 
Associators, Third Battalion, on its founding in 1775, with 
John Cadwalader, Colonel. In allusion to the gentility of the 
members it was called "The Silk Stocking Company." They 
drilled twice a day, usually on Col. Cadwalader's lawn, who 
hospitably set out his wines for their refreshment. Later they 
were Washington's Guards in New York. In 1778, Moore 
Furman removed to his estate at Pittstown, N. J., where he had 
built a village, having named it in honor of Sir William Pitt. 
He established there a nail factory, distillery, flour mills and a 
general store, besides a hotel and dwelling houses. In the pre- 
vious year, he sent a present of ten barrels of flour from his 
mills to Gen. Washington at Morristown. During the time 
lie served as Department Quartermaster General, he lived either 
at Pittstown, Trenton or Lamberton. He was Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas in 1777-1785 and Justice from 1781- 
1786. He anticipated legislation by voluntarily freeing his 
slaves and was the first to take that step in the vicinity. In 
the Hunterdon County Clerk's Office the following record is 
found, January 7, 1784: 

"To All Christian People To Whom These Presents Shall 
Come : 



X Introduction 

"I, Moore Furman being convinced of the iniquity and inhu- 
manity of slavery and desirous of discouraging the same, have 
manumitted my negroman slave, Thomas, and do by these pres- 
ents, manumit, set free and discharge my negro man Thomas 
from all bonds and slavery to me, my heirs and assigns for- 
ever. 

"Signed, 
"MooBE Furman." 

In 1778, he was appointed one of the Commissioners from 
New Jersey to meet delegates from the Eastern and Middle 
States to devise some way of arresting the depreciation of cur- 
rency. He was also appointed in 1790 a Commissioner re- 
specting the jurisdiction of the Islands in the Delaware and to 
examine the channel of the river. In 1791, he was commis- 
sioned to buy land for the seat of government in Trenton. 

In 1792, he was made first Mayor of Trenton by appoint- 
ment of the Legislature, "an honor which he bore with energy 
and uprightness." His last political appointment was that of 
Presidential Elector in 1805. 

Moore Furman married at Christ Church, Philadelphia, on 
March 17, 1767, Sarah, daughter of Townsend White and his 
wife, Ann Renaudet. The Misses White were counted among 
Philadelphia belles, Nancy White being one of the most beau- 
tiful women who took part in the Mischianza. Her Knight was 
the Earl of Cathcart. While Mrs. Furman's family were loy- 
alists, she was fully in sympathy with her patriotic husband, 
and very energetic in her efforts to assist the cause of freedom. 
On July 4, 1780, a committee was appointed in New Jersey 
"for the purpose of promoting a subscription for the relief and 
encouragement of the brave men in the Continental Army, who, 
regardless of danger, have so repeatedly suffered, fought and 
bled in the cause of virtue and their oppressed country." Mrs. 
Furman was appointed the Treasurer for New Jersey. The 
other members of the committee were Mrs. Dickinson, Mrs.^Cox, 
Miss Cadwalader and Mrs. Col. Thompson of Sussex. 

They had four children, Adrian, John, Maria and Moore, all 
of whom died while still young and unmarried, with the excep- 
tion of his daughter, Maria, who married Peter Hunt, the 
nephew of his former partner, Abraham Hunt, successor tO' 
Andrew Reed. 



Introduction xi 

After Mr. Furman's return to Trenton, he was again elected 
Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, which oflSce he held 
until his death. He was deeply interested in the welfare of the 
church, and on its rebuilding in 1804 was one of the committee 
to prepare plans and one of the largest contributors to it. 

He died March 16, 1808, and is buried in the graveyard of 
the First Presbyterian Church. The Pastor said at his 
funeral: "The congregation well knows his long and faithful 
services as a zealous supporter and Trustee of the concerns and 
interests of this church. In the Revolution, he was known as a 
faithful friend of his country and was entrusted by country 
and Commander-in-Chief of our Revolutionary Army, — whose 
friendship was honor indeed, — in offices and departments, the 
most profitable and important of his life." In the Federalist 
of that date appeared an obituary, considered by his family 
and friends a just tribute to his character. An abstract from 
it follows : 

"By his diligence, integrity and providence, he acquired a 
handsome fortune with the most unsullied reputation, and the 
liberality of his disposition was at all times equal to the ample 
means which Providence had bestowed upon him. His heart 
and hand were always open to acts of generosity and benevo- 
lence. Before the commencement of our Revolutionary difficul- 
ties, he had filled several important oflUces with credit to himself 
and to the high satisfaction of the public. 

"In that arduous struggle, he took an early and active part 
in favor of the liberty of his country, and during the contest 
he executed with distinguished fidelity and zeal the duties of 
several interesting and confidential stations. After its termi- 
nation, his exertions were devoted to the benefit and service of 
his fellow citizens until the weight of declining years induced 
him to seek in the quiet shades of retirement the tranquillity 
due his age and virtues. Of the most mild and conciliatory 
manner and the most amicable deportment, he acquired and 
preserved universal esteem and affection." 



References xiii 



REFERENCES: 

Unpublished letter in Pennsylvania Historical Society. 
Essex Institutes. 

Wills and Deeds in Secretary of State's Office, N. J. 
Archives of New Jersey. 

History of Hunterdon County, N. J., Civil Lists. 
History of Trenton. Raum. 

History of the First Presbyterian Church, Trenton, N. J., 
Hall. 

Annals of Philadelphia. Watson. 

Memoirs. Graydon. 

Archives of Pennsylvania. 

Colonial Documents of Pennsylvania. 

History of Newtown, L. I. Riker. 

Pennsylvania Magazine. Article by Dr. Race. 



ERRATA. 

Pao-e 95, line 6, of the footnote, read "bora about 1735 
and married Rebecca." 

Page 120, footnote. The General Heard referred to in the 
letter wts John, son of General Nathaniel Heard. He was 
Lieutenant in Movlan's Re^giment, Continental Army, Jan. 20, 
1777; Captain, Feb. 8, 1778. He was appointed Marshall of 
New Jersey, 1802, and Collector of Customs Perth Amboy, 
1806. He had a daughter, Margaretta, who manned H. Slack. 
He died in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1826. 



THE LETTERS OF 
MOORE FURMAN 



THE LETTERS 

Trenton 7th May 1779. 

Sir — I am very sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing you at 
my house. Col. Biddle's letter came too late for me to get 
home that night & concluded you would not stay all the next 
day and therefore concluded my return then would be too late. 
The want of money prevents my being able to execute orders 
as it would be in my power to do with good Supplies. I have 
received none since about 5th of last month & then but a small 
Sum hardly a dollar in the hands of the Department in this 
State and all Calling in the most pressing manner. I sent an 
Express down to Phila as soon as I came here who is not re- 
turned, hope he will bring some — I could send about Sixty 
Wagons immediately but cannot get drivers the People not 
liking to go to the Army and receiving higher wages at home. 
I can send about forty teams next week and if money comes 
today about Fifty Horses will make up as many wagons or 
harness after this without further orders — & Suppose the Com- 
missary General will send orders respecting the forwarding the 
Flour &ct. when any here, at present believe there is not a bar- 
rel of flour or pork at this Post. There are about two hundred 
teams Private Property now in the Service at this Post and 
will take in all I can get. more it will be easy to fix Conveni- 
ent routes for the teams to the North River but how to get a 
Supply of Forage I know not. I will get all I can carried by the 
barrel or ton but Forage is so nearly gone between here and the 
North River that fear little will be done by Chance Teams. 

Mr. Caldwell writes me he has resigned and I shall not be 
able to keep many more unless their Salarys are Raised. Col. 
Cox^ advises me to do it. I wish for your Approbation — hope 
to be at Morris Town soon also Spring field, believe Majr 
Marsh will do very well in that County if he will undertake if 
not Avill get another. The Assembly of the State appears to 



iJohn Cox, son of William Cox and Catherine Longfeldt, his wife, was 
born August, 1731, married November 16, 1760, Esther, daughter of Sir 

3 



4 The Letters of Moore Furman 

be very willing to give every aid to the Army in their power but 
don't find they think any further laws are necessary for collect- 
ing Forage those already in Force being Sufficient to Collect 
what there is in the State at the Current prices and they don't 
think it reason to limit the prices in this State while others are 
left free — Indeed its of very Little Consequence whether it be 
fixed or not for the little in the State but wish to see some Lim- 
itation to All Supplies necessary for the Army before the next 
Crop comes in for if something is not done that will fix some 
bounds to the prices fear it will take more Continental money 
to purchase than can possibly be made — 

I am Sir yr. most Obt 

Humble Servt 
^Honble Maj. Genl M. Furman D. Q. M. G. 

Nathl Green. Q. M. G, Camp. 



Francis Bowes and Rachel Chevalier, his wife, and died April 28, 1793. 

Col. Cox was a merchant in Philadelphia, living in a large house on 
Third Street, but at the beginning of the war he moved to Bloomsbury, 
Trenton, N. J. He was very active during the Revolution as Assistant 
Quartermaster General as well as Colonel. He and his brother William 
wei'e owners of the Batsto Iron Works near Burlington, N. J., also the 
"New Mill" near Mount Holly, where they made cannon balls, kettles 
and nails for the Continental Army. 

His large family of daughters were noted for their wit and beauty. 

His children were: Rachel, born in 1761, married John Stevens of Ho- 
boken. Catherine, born in 1764, married (1st) Samuel Witham Stockton; 
(2d) Nathaniel Sayre Harris; Esther, born 1767, married Francis Barton; 
John Bowes, d. y. ; Mary, born 1775, married Col. James Chestnut of 
South Carolina. Sarah married John Redman Coxe, Elizabeth married 
Hon. Horace Binney. 

2Nathaniel Greene, son of Nathaniel Greene and Mary, daughter of 
Jacob and Rest (Perry) Mott, was born July 27th, 1742, married Kather- 
ine, daughter of John Uttlefield and Phebe Ray, and died in Georgia 
June 19, 1786, on the plantation presented him by the state for his great 
services. 

General Greene's life was a very distinguished one and his Revolutionary 
record one of continuous and devoted service. He was appointed Quar- 
termaster General March 2. 1776, and Commander of the Army of the 
Southern Department Oct. 14, 1780. His triumphal entry into Charles- 
ton occurred Dec. 14, 1782. Washington wrote to Congress when hostili- 
ties were about to cease, of the sense he entertained of the extraordinary 
abilities, bravery and prudence displayed by General Greene in conducting 
the operations in the Southern Department. 

His children were: George Washington, born about 1775; Martha Wash- 
ington, born 1777; married (1) John Corlis Nightingale, (2) Dr. Henry E. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 6 

Pitts Town May 10, 1779. 
Sir 

Your favour of yesterday followed me here from Trenton. 
Tomorrow morning I forward Twenty Horses about half of 
them are suitable for the Saddle — ^Major Gordon will also for- 
ward a few from Trenton the latter end of the week if he is 
in Luck. — Mary are the mistakes which happen in forward- 
ing the Commissary Stores. I understand all the Salt Beef at 
every Post in this State And also what came from Phila to 
Trenton was ordered to Camp but upwards of a hundred Bar- 
rels of it has been lately sent here the greatest part from Tren- 
ton, by such management much more carting is done then nec- 
essary — I know not at whose door to lay this. In a day or 
two I expect a Brigade of Teams here by whom shall forward 
what Beef there is in this Magazine and as the Teams come up 
from Trenton with flour to be deposited here send them on to 
Camp with Beef and Bread until its all forwarded — If the Salt 
provisions comes from the Southward to Trenton I am per- 
suaded I can call in sufficient assistance to what Teams may be 
in the service to make a push at any time that a larger Quan- 
tity than Common may be wanted. I expect the pleasure to 
wait on you Wednesday. 

& am Sir Yr most obt 

Humble Servant 
by J. A. Nugent M. Furman 

17 Horses. 



Turner; Cornelia Lott, born 1779, married (1) Peyton Skipwith, (2) Ed- 
ward Brinley Littlefield; Nathaniel Ray, born 1780, married Anna Maria 
Oarke; Louise Catherine, married Mr. Shaw. 

sPeter Gordon, son of Peter Gordon and Mary, daughter of Archibald 
Craig of Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, born 1745, and married 
Susanna, daughter of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife. 

He was appointed Captain of the First Regiment, Hunterdon Brigade, 
July 25, 1776; Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster and Major of 
Militia. He was appointed commissioner for damages sustained by the 
inhabitants of New Jersey, 1781; State Treasurer, 1803-21 for eighteen 
years; Postmaster, 1801. He was an incorporator of the Trenton Water 
Works, 1803; one of the first inspectors of State Prison; Treasurer of 
the Trenton Delaware Bridge Co. in 1805. He became Elder of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Trenton and Trustee in 1804, and was director of 
the Trenton Banking Co. for many years. 



6 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Tuesday Morning May 11, 1779. 
Good Sir: 

I received your favour by the wagon master of the Park* 
this morning near one o'clock, for Eighteen Horses and am 
Happy that I had it in my power to dispatch him with that 
Number by half past Two. so that he will be in with them with- 
in the time Given him to return. I now send Seventeen more 
some good & some I think very good for the saddle, the re- 
mainder good for the Draft and hope will please 

I am Sir 

Yr most obt Servant 

M. Furman 



Pitts Town May 30th 1779. 
Sir 

I send you by Samuel Geary 48 Team Horses in good Order 
for Business also ten Saddle Horses some of them say Clever. 
Two Brigades of Continental Teams goes from here to Day 
to Joyn the Army — Three more goes from Trenton which will 
make up about Forty five teams — The Horses are in good 
health & Spirits and having been in run for some time are able 
to endure more Grief than those with more Flesh taken from 
Pasture — I propose keeping some Horses in the State to re- 
lieve those in the Brigades raised by me some time hence and 
should they remain within any convenient Distance I shall be 
glad and believe will be very agreeable to them to have the 
Paying and Cloathing the Waggoners. I shall proceed to 
make up the Ten Brigades that was ordered to be raised in this 
State as fast as possible which I could soon accomplish if team- 
sters were plenty but that is not the case. 

I am Sir 
Your Most obt Humble Servant 

M. Furman D. Q. M. G. 

P. S. 

The Horses intended for the Saddle have strayed since writ- 
ing the above but will be forwarded as soon as found. Some 
of the above may answer for riding 



4At Plukemin. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 7 

Majr Genl N. Greene Q. M. General 
Clement Biddle Capt. Young 

John Cox Mr, Pommeroy 

Col Stewart — Georgia Greene 

Col Hooper Stirling. 

Col Berry 

Pitts Town, June 9th, 1779. 
Good Sir: — 

I have got the lads together and they now go cheerfully to 
receive your commands. Their willingness to return makes it 
natural to suppose what has happened has been owing to their 
mistake and therefore if they behave well for the future hope 
you will look over thats past. They really behaved well before 
they went to camp and I took good care of their horses. I 
just met with five horses and two mares which I forward to 
you and which you will please to receive. Send me acct. I 
have not a man at present to send with them. The teams also 
you will please to send me acct. for by some good hand and 
you will oblige 

Your Obedt. 

M. Furman. 

P. S. I suppose the two mares are too small for the wagon 
but will do to ride. The five horses are sizeable. 

Have just seen Thomas Howell W. M. who is really not fit 
to move yet — please to let me know if wanted there. If not I 
will employ him to try for some work teamsters — Case the 
W. M. is I think near his end with the small pox and one of 
his teamsters, as soon as the rest of the lads come in will try 
to send them on. Many of these have not had the small pox 
and a great part of their unwillingness to go to camp proceeds 
from that. If possible let them not be exposed to it. 

N. B. Since this was written five horses and two mares 
have been sent with the above — making in all fourteen. 
^Col. James Thompson W. M. Gen'l. 

Pitts Town, June 9, 1779. 
Sir: 

Your favours of the 2d 4th and 5th instant is before me. I 



Bjames Thompson was Wagon Master General for the New Jersey State 
Militia. 



8 The Letters of Moore Fueman 

have given all possible assistance at the late camp both in 
wagons to carry the stores and horses for the Park and hope 
all will be done in tolerable time and without accident. 

This will be handed you by Mr. Burnside who takes it around 
to wait on you and acquaint you particularly with our present 
circumstances also to stop and assist awhile if necessary at 
Morris Town or any other Post. He will also call on the Mag- 
istrates when he finds the roads bad and urge them to make 
them good. 

The Post at Morris Town has been attended with more dif- 
ficulty to manage since my appointment than all the rest which 
makes one incline to believe everybody doesn't study to be quiet 
and mind their own business, there was a complaint against 
°Mr. Lindsley who was in office there when I first came in which 
I never could find the least foundation for though often called 
on the complainant for that purpose. There are now com- 
plaints against Mr. Lewis who from what experience I have 
had of him is both capable and very attentive to his business 
and as I am well informed has as much influence in that county 
as any man in it. His sentiment is faithful to the cause which 
may in some measure appear by his being many thousand dol- 
lars in advance for the public which is also the case with myself 
and many others in the Department at this time. I am sorry 
to mention this to you Sir because you have trouble enough 
without it but it is truly the case and makes it more difficult to 
transact business for bad as the money is its wanted — which I 
am glad to hear and Avill be more so wanted when the heavy 
boxes come on. 

But Sir with respect to the post of Morris Town I wish to 
satisfy all particularly yourself, all things considered I am of 



GBenjamin Lindsley, son of Jonathan Lindsley, was born Feb. 22, 1731, 
married Sarah Kitchel, and died November 8, 1815. 

He was a prominent member of his community in Essex County, New 
Jersey, serving for some years as Justice of the Peace and being con- 
nected with different committees for the public welfare. During the 
Revolution he served first as Assistant Quartermaster and later as Quar- 
termaster. 

His children were: Joseph, born 1761, married (1) Sarah Lindsley, (2) 
Phebe Rodgers ; Jonathan, born 1762, married (1) Jemima Stiles, (2) Han- 
nah Rodgers; Hannah, born 1765, married William Burnet; Jane, born 
1768, married Silas Lindsley; Mary, born 1771; Timothy, born 1773, died 
young; Elizabeth, born 1775; Latta, born 1778. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 9 

the opinion no man can be got that will do better if so well but 
notwithstanding that I will change him if you desire it. 

I was last week at Trenton while there applied to the ^Gov- 
ernor, Council and Assembly for aid in our difficulty, they say 
the laws is sufficient for the purpose and as soon as I receive 
their answer set about trying them and hope to do something 
with their help but more from the good will of the friends to the 
cause — for three days past I have been uneasy but am this day 
relieved a little by the appearance of two brigades of wagons 
from Trenton going to Chester with flour and Major Gordon 
writes me he hopes to load one hundred wagons this week for 
the same route besides what is going toward Morris Town so 
that I hope the army will have a supply in time which will give 
me very great pleasure indeed. The provisions that was at 
this Post were chiefly sent on to Easton about sixty barrels of 
pork that are left here I expect will begin to move on today. 
I have advised ^Col. Hooper of the provisions ordered through 
Sussex that he may have wagons in readiness to receive and 
forward them. Wish it was in my power to lay them all down 
at Chester but that fear will not be the case as much as possible 
shall be carried on by the same wagons that take it up. But 
some of the farmers teams are not able and some not willing 



^William Livingston, son of Philip Livingston and Catherine Brugh, his 
wife, was born 1723, married Susanna, daughter of Philip French and 
Susanna Brockholst, his wife, and died at Elizabethtown July 17, 1790. 

He was graduated from Yale College in 1741 and studied law in New 
York with James Alexander. He was a delegate to the First General 
Congress in 1774, a member of the Committee of Correspondence in 1774, 
and elected Governor of the State of New Jersey on August 31, 1776, and 
served until 1790, residing for three years in Trenton. Previously he had 
been Commander-in-Chief of New Jersey Troops in 1775. In 1787 he was 
a delegate to the Convention which formed the Constitution of the United 
States. He was literary in his tastes and author of a number of brilliant 
and convincing pamphlets on subjects of the time. 

His children were: Susanna, born 1748, married John Cleve Symmes; 
Catherine, born 1751, married (1) Mathew Ridley, (2) Robert Livingston; 
Mary, born 1753, married James Linn; William, born 1754, married Mary 
Lennington; Philip Van Brugh, born 1756, died young; Sarah Van Brugh, 
married John Jay; Henry Brockholst, born 1757, married (1) Catherine 
Keteltas, (2) Ann Ludlow, (3) Catherine Leaman. widow of John Kort- 
right; Judith, born 1758, married John Watkins; Phib'p French, born 1760; 
John Lawrence, born 1762, and Elizabeth Clarkson, born 1764, died young. 

sRobert Lettis Hooper, son of Robert Lettis Hooper, Chief Justice of 



10 The Letters of Mooee Furman 

to go far and the law impowers us to keep but six days. 

I wanted our Legislature to lengthen the time but they have 
not done it. the greatest difficulty I have to struggle with is 
the want of forage. 

For the present I have got a supply of pasturage and when 
that can't be got have taken meadow and cut the grass but this 
can't last long near the roads and with short forage it will be 
hard pushing them on long as the horses must wear down fast. 

As soon as I get everything in clever motion — until then I 
must stay here that everybody may know where to find me — • 
I will go down and consult Col Cox and Major Gordon when 
I shall be able to make some estimate near the mark of what 
can be sent weekly to Suiferan's or any other plan you may 
order. 

I will try to lessen the quantity of grain to be given to the 
teams for a time to let some go on to Morris Town but at pres- 
ent there is not enough at Trenton to give the teams that start 
from that Post more than half allowance, how it will come up 
hereafter I don't know I have none here, the teams go on and 
live on grass. 

I have already made my letter too long for busy times must 
refer you to Mr. Burnside for inteligence in other matters and 
so Heaven preserve you all. depend I do all in my power. 
I am Sir 

Your most obt. 

Humble Serv't 

M. Furman, 
The Honorable D. Q. M. Gen'l. 

Nathl. Green, 
Q. M. Gen'l. 



New Jersey, and Sarah, his wife, was born in 1731, married (1) Margaret, 
daughter of Daniel Biles and Elizabeth Lambert; (2) Elizabeth, widow of 
Robert Erskine, and died at Belleville, Trenton, N. J., July 30, 1797. 

Mr. Hooper purchased large tracts of land in Northampton and Bed- 
ford Counties, Pennsylvania, and lived part of his life near Easton. He 
became Deputy Quartermaster General in the Revolution for Northamp- 
ton County, Pennsylvania, and Sussex County, New Jersey, and also was 
one of the Superintendents of Magazines for the Eastern Department. 
He went with Sullivan's army against the Six Nations as Assistant Com- 
missary of Provisions. General Washington esteemed his opinion of such 
value that he wrote him asking his advice as to the best way of reaching 
the Six Nations. 



The Letters op Moore Furman 11 

Pitts Town, June 28th, 1779. 
Sir: 

Mr. Caldwell has procured a Petition signed by 'Stephen 
Crane ^"William Burnett and "Joseph Hedden Judges of the 



He was partner in the Durham Iron Works and acquired the Ringwood 
Works by marrying the widow of Robert Erskine, the former owner. He 
was an active citizen of Trenton and laid out Millhill and Bloomsbury, 
which are now parts of the city. He was Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, 1784-85, and Vice-president of the Legislative Council in 1796. 

^Stephen Crane, son of Daniel Crane and Hannah Miller, his wife, was 
born 1709, married Phebe , and died June 23, 1780. 

In 1743 Mr. Crane was sent as a commissioner to the King with the 
complaint of the citizens against the Proprietors. He was again and 
again appointed to office in Elizabethtown, where he was Mayor, 1774; 
High Sheriff and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; Speaker of the 
House in 1771, and Speaker of the Assembly in 1775. He was appointed 
a member of the Committee of Correspondence, 1774, and a delegate to 
the First Continental Congress. 

His children were: Daniel, born 1735; Stephen, married (1) Phebe 
Morse, (2) Jane Haines (Harris?) ; Elizabeth, born 1740, married Stephen 
Bonnel; David, born 1742, married (1) Anne Sayre, (2) Agnes Neaty 
Cooper; William, born 1747, married Abigail Miller; Phebe, born 1750, 
married Captain Jacob Crane; Joseph, born 1752, married (1) Susanna 
Ross, (2) Margaret Van Vechten; Jonathan, born 1754; Catherine, born 
1756. 

lOWilliam Burnet, son of Ichabod Burnet, M.D., and Hannah, his wife, 
was born in 1730, married (1), 1754, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Camp; 
(2) Gertrude, daughter of Nicholas Gouverneur and widow of Anthony 
Rutgers, and died in 1791. 

He was graduated from the College of New Jersey at Elizabethtown, 
N. J., in 1749. He was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Safety, 
1775, a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776, and a Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. He served to the close of the War of the Revo- 
lution as Surgeon-General of the Eastern Division with great distinction. 
He lost much property as a result of the enemies' depredations, including 
a valuable library. 

His children were: William, married Joanna Ailing; Ichabod; Nathaniel; 
John; Hannah, married Abraham Kinney; Sarah; Mary; James; Eliza- 
beth; Jacob, married Rebecca Wallace; George Whitefield, 

iiJoseph Hedden, son of Joseph Hedden and Rebecca Dod, daughter of 

Samuel Dod, of Newark, N. J., was born 1738, married (1) Abigail ; 

(2) Sarah Canfield, and died Sept. 27, 1780. 

He was a prominent citizen of Newark, and took an active part in 
resisting the encroachments of the British. He was appointed one of the 
Commissioners for Essex County for confiscating the estates of the Tories 



J. 2 The Letters of Mooee Furman 

Court and ^Thilip Van Courtland, Col. "Samuel Hays Major 
and "Caleb Dod Major of the Militia of Essex against your 
conduct particularly that of giving fifty pounds for Hay not- 
withstanding that I wrote you respecting the price given in 

and was greatly hated by the enemy. In January, 1780, a body of the 
British surrounded his house and took him prisoner. He was marched 
across the ice at Paulus Hook and thrown into the Sugar House Prison, 
Here he was confined for several months and suffered such cruel treatment 
that he died as the result. 

His children were: William, Moses, Israel, James, Isaac, Sarah, married 
John N. Cummings. 

isphilip Van Courtlandt, son of Pierre Van Courtlandt, was born Sep- 
tember 1, 1739, and died Nov. 5, 1831. 

He graduated from Kings College in 1758. He was commissioned 
Major in 1779 in the Essex County Regiment, appointed Colonel and 
served with distinction with Gen. Sullivan in the campaign against the 
Indians of Western New York. He was at the siege of Yorktown. For 
important services Congress conferred on him the rank of Brigadier Gen- 
eral. He represented his district in Congress for sixteen years, and died 
unmarried. 

The latter part of his life was devoted to agriculture. He served in 
both houses of New York Assembly. In 1793, and for many years, he was 
Treasurer of the Cincinnati, and when Lafayette visited the States he ac- 
companied him on his travels. 

isSamuel Hays, son of Joseph Hays and Elizabeth Say, was born 1729, 
married Sarah Bruen, and died June 1, 1811. 

He took an active part in the Revolution and was a distinguished officer. 
Previously he had served as Deputy Surveyor for East Jersey in 1759. 
He was appointed Adjutant Second Regiment of Essex Militia, Feb. 9, 
1776, and First Major March 15, 1777. He gained the special enmity of 
the Tories because of his activity as a Commissioner for forfeiting estates, 
and was made a prisoner July, 1780, and thrown in the Sugar House in 
New York, where he was detained for some time before exchanged. After 
the war he was an active and prominent citizen of Newark, N. J. 

His children were: Bruen; Phebe, married Tabor Piei'son; Hannah, 
married Samuel Congar; Sarah, married Samuel Pennington; Samuel. 

i4Caleb Dod, son of Daniel Dod and Sarah, daughter of Samuel Ailing, 
of Newark, N. J., was born May 26, 1740, married Mary Harrison, daugh- 
ter of Moses Harrison, and died at Caldwell in 1780. 

He served in the Revolution with distinction as Major of the Militia of 
Essex County, New Jersey. 

His children were: Elijah, born 1761, married Lois Williams; Rebecca, 
born 1763, married Joseph Batterson; Annah, born 1765, married William 
Burnet; Jabish, born 1767, died young; Sarah, born 1769, married John 
Mead; Abby, born 1773, married Jabez Harrison; Caleb, born 1775, mar- 
ried Mary Bates; Mary, born 1777, married Capt. William Bates. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 1-3 

other States and in other parts of this, you must recollect that it 
has always been my advice and conduct to conform to the Laws 
and Regulations of this State so far as they extend to effect 
the business of my appointments and am very sorry you have 
omitted the application to the Magistrates for fixing some 
price on Hay in Bergen, the Court have fixed thirty pounds in 
Morris, the Court meets next week when they are to fix a 
price and suppose the same steps is or will be taken in Som- 
erset and other Counties. I am extremely sorry for this mis- 
take — Mr. Burnside goes on with this and will assist and ad- 
vise in getting put on proper footing, shall meet Mr. Caldwell 
there. I beg you will call on the Magistrates by a written 
application and if possible get their order respecting the price 
to be given on Hay in writing within the two counties of Mid- 
dlesex and Essex and let me hear from you as soon as possible. 
Mr. Burnside will assist — in haste. 

I am your Humble Servant, 
^^Major Danl. Marsh, Moore Furman 

A. Q. M. 
Rahway. 

^Titts Town, August 16th, 1779. 
Sir: 

I have yours of the 13th. instant shall forward to you what 
Iron & Horse Show I have for the Army as soon as possible, 
the very pressing calls for provisions has prevented its being 
sent before. The teams in the service both Cont'l. and Private 
Property are mostly worn out for want of Short Forage which 
they have traveled without for many weeks or however with so 
Little that they could not stand the Service and its to get out 

isDaniel Marsh of Middlesex County, New Jersey, married Elizabeth 
Smith Vail and died in 1814. 

He was appointed Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster and Quarter- 
master General and was stationed at Westfield and Rahway, 1778-80. He 
was also Major of the Militia, and in July, 1779, was appointed Commis- 
sioner of forfeited estates and after the war a Collector of Customs at 
Perth Amboy, 1801. Mrs. Marsh was a member of the Ladies' Committee 
from Middlesex County to raise contributions for the Continental soldiers. 

He had several children. 



isPittstown, on a tributary of the Raritan, eight miles northwest from 
Flemington and thirty-one from Trenton. 



14 The Letters of Moore Furman 

the Farmers Teams which if possible ought not to be call'd on 
as it is both public and private Loss to take them from the 
plow — 

I cannot hear of any Refined Iron at the price you men- 
tioned. Suppose I can furnish some at about Six Hundred 
pounds and forward agreeable to your Desire as soon as Teams 
can be spared from the Commissary Service, if you cannot 
buy cheaper please to let me know and I will endeavor to Se- 
cure and forward what is to be had — 

I am Sir 

Your Huml. Sert. 

Moore Furman 
Colo. Howell. 

P. S. Since writing the foregoing I have copy of your — 
Complaint lodged with Colo. Cox against Joseph Levvis Esq 
Q. M. at Morris Town which Contains Several Charges. I 
wish to have the Public Business in the Q. M. G. Department 
done Faithfully and those who do not act so in it to be — Dis- 
continued, you & Mr. Gamble Lodged it a Verible Complaint 
before against him which was not supported and then Mr. 
Lewis Continued in Office and now you having repeated the 
matter it will appear to those unacquainted with it that you 
cannot be heard which will reflect on me as well as others. I 
must now Desire and Expect that this matter has a fair hear- 
ing before Colo. Cox at Trenton to whom the Complaint is 
made and have accordingly forwarded Copy of your Complaint 
to Mr. Lewis that he may have an Opportunity of preparing 
for Tryal. you will please to fix on a time when it will suit 
you to prosecute this matter that I may give Mr. Lewis notice 
to attend myself, 

I am Sir 

Your humble Servt. 

M. Furman. 

Pitts Town, August 23d, 1779. 
Sir:— 

I received your favour and am very glad to hear you are re- 
covering. 

If candor and friendship is not to be found under a black 
suit where are we to look for it. I think however you are right 



The Letters of Moore Furman 15 

to consult him as the mouth of the Committee of that County 
and fix as near their mark as you can. having their approba- 
tion will be a good post to start from however and after that 
you will be obliged to walk by the old rule that of buying as 
cheap as you can. 

Colonel Biddle writes me in the most pressing manner to re- 
move as much as possible from near the Sound all Forage and 
Public Property which I have often mentioned to you and now 
pray your particular attention to. 

The horses will soon be sent for which will relieve you from 
some trouble and if any other horses fall into your hands not 
immediately wanted you will please to forward them to him. 

I am Sir 

Your Humble Servant, 

Moore Furman. 
Major Danl. Marsh, 
Rahway. 

Pitts Town, August 29th, 1779. 
Sir: — 

Having some conversation among the people at this Post 
about The Flour Coming forward from Trenton I stept in to 
see it — and think you should know it as there appears to be an 
unfair Trade Carring on by somebody several barrels were ex- 
amined one of the lightest was weighed and proved to Contain 
1: O: 11 Flour. — the Head appeared to have been taken out 
the Center Scooped out and sides standing by which it appears 
that the Flour has been properly packed at first and plundered 
Since — Should not all the Pro^dsions be inspected at Trenton 
as the Cartage is a very Expensive article and paying as much 
for transport taxation for a Barrel half full as if it were full 
is worthy of attention besides the Loss of the Flour — 

This matter requires attention if all were to Start from you 
in good order it might more easily be discovered who was the 
plunderer. One of the Waggoners here as I am told being 
asked how it happened that he took loading in so bad order 
Said that he Objected to it when it was delivered to him but 
was told he would be paid for Carting a Barrel and had nothing 
to do with what was in it — 

^^Mr. Dunlop at Sussex Co. House fill up flour Bble, that's 

"Edward Dunlop of Sussex County, New Jersey, married Sarah Helme 



16 The Letters of Mooee Furman 

part out and by a return he made last week mentions 21 bbls. 
Lost but don't know in what manner. 

I am Sir 

Your Humh Ser. 

Moore Furman 
^^Mr. Stephen Lowrey, 
Trenton. 

Pitts Town Sept. 13, 1779. 
Sir:— 

I have yours of the 10 Just with the Amt. for July & Aug. 
which I have looked over, it no doubt would be wise to lay up 
Wood for next winter as its more then probable the Public will 
want some then but its very uncertain whether I shall have any 
Concern with the Department then or not. I rather think not. 
nor can I get money to pay for Articles long after they are 
Consumed much less lay in a stock before hand. I had a small 
Supply last week but so many waiting that its all gone except 
what will be expended at this Post in a few days. I expect 
more soon and shall remember you in my next Dividend — But 
upon looking over your Accounts I find them made up in such a 
manner as that they will not pass from me. they are all Cer- 
tified and paid by yourself without giving the least knowledge 
how or by whom the Articles are Consumed, no receipts from 
any one for the Wood nor Issuing Forages, Accts, & vouchers 
for the Forage, these things must be furnish'd before the Ac- 
counts can be allowed & therefore you will collect & forward 
them immediately. In the return of persons employed at your 
Post you omit their pay subsistance & rations which is as nec- 
essary as their names & Rank. 

I am very easy indeed at any man's suspicions respecting 
the public money put into my hands and am ready to show any 



on Sept. 23, 1768. 

He was appointed delegate to the Convention at New Brunswick July 
23, 1774. He was Paymaster in the Revolution and Commissary of Issues. 

isStephen Lowrey, from Maryland, came to Trenton, N. J., before the 
Revolution, and married Sarah, daughter of Elihu Spencer, Pastor of the 
First Presbyterian Church. 

He was Commissary of Issues at Trenton, from 1770 to 1780, and 
Sheriif. After the war, he was a banker and broker in Trenton and one 
of the founders of the Trenton Academy. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 17 

Hour of mj life that I have divided all and more than all that 
belong to the Public among the People employed in this State. 

^^Cap't Lyons accounts must be pass'd along to me for ex- 
amination with the Vouchers for the expenditure of the Wood 
& I can then say what will be done in it, 

I beg you to let me have those Vouchers for the Expenditure 
of the Wood & ca. Charged & paid for by you & the Forage 
Issuer's. Issuer's accots. & Vouchers— if Convenient shall be 
glad to see you here between this & Thursday as I shall be ab- 
sent after that for a few days tho Mr. Burnside will be at home. 

I have lately received very particular instructions indeed re- 
specting the future conduct and Accounts of every person act- 
ing in the Q. Master & Forageing Department which it will be 
necessary for you to know and understand well and therefore 
think you had better take a ride here, shall make out an Ab- 
stract for you & forward if you don't come — I suppose you 
had the Choice or recommendation of the Forage Issuer there 
and that he is under your direction. If so it will be expected 
that you see to what he receives and issues and always have his 
accounts made up monthly & forward with your's — all Accots. 
& returns must be made up at the Expiration of every month 
or they will not be received — I have not fully examin'd your 
Account Current but see the last article of 1,000 dollars should 
have been 9,000 you having given Mr. Burnside a receipt for 
that. 

I beg your immediate attention to these things as I am mak- 
ing up my accounts as fast as in my power. 

It gives me pleasure to hear those enemies to Mankind are 
about to leave us I long much to see it that I may see peace to 
America before I die. 

I am Sir 

Your most humble Servt. 

M. Furman. 
^^Majr. M. Williamson. 



19 Abraham Lyons was the son of Abraham Lyons of Newark, N. J., and 
married Phebe Eddy. December 7, 1774, the planters of Newark held a 
meeting to evince loyalty to the Colonies and a Committee was appointed 
to further matters, of which he was an active member. He was Captain of 
the Fourth Battalion in November 28, 1776, of the Continental Army, and 
also Captain of the Militia. He was at the battles of Short Hills on June 
26, 1776; Brandywine, Sept. 7, 1777; Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777; Monmouth, 



18 The Letters or Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, Oct. 13th, 1779. 
Sir: 

I reed, yours of the 10th inst. I am amazed at the Prices 
you mention for the Articles of Forage wanted — I have done 
all in my Power to keep the Prices down but in vain, in my 
last Letter I Advised not giving above a certain Price for the 
several Articles of Forage but at the same time leave you at 
liberty to purchase on the best Terms you can which I again 
desire you will do being particularly careful to purchase as 
cheap as you can & if possible below the Prices in the Neigh- 
boring States. 

There is very pressing orders lately from his Excellency 
Genl. Washington to have a good Quantity of Forage of all 
Sorts laid in to supply the Army if they should return into 
this State this Winter which may be the Case if not to send 
forw'ard to them in York State. 

You will therefore proceed to purchase what you can on the 
best terms in your Power not doubting but you will do the best 
you can for the Public in whose service you are now engaged — 
You will call on Captn. Dillon for a Return of the Forage he 
has on Hand and send it to Major Gordon as soon as possible 
— which will much oblige Your mo't. 

Humble Servant 

M. Furman 

You will correspond with 
Mr. Tagart & try to give one 
price for Forage. 
^^Saml. Flanaghan 
A. Q. M. 

Glouster County. 

June 28, 1778, and retired Feb. 11, 1779. 

His will was dated Jan. 39, 1793, and the children mentioned were: 
Sarah Brant and Elizabeth, who married Lemel Pierson. 

aoMathias Williamson, son of Gen. Mathias Williamson and Susanna 
Halstead, was born at Elizabethtown, N. J. 

He graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1771. 
He was Assistant Quartermaster and Quartermaster. 

2iSamuel Flanaghan, or Flanningham, was the son of George Flaningham 
and Sarah Jennings, his wife. He married Hannah Woolston Oct. 15, 
1768. They were both of Gloucester County, New Jersey. 

He belonged to the Continental Army and was commissioned Feb. 9, 



The Letters of Moore Furman 19 

Pitts Town, September 13th, 1779. 
Sir:— 

Your favour of the 8th is before me and observe the Con- 
tents — your Account is examined and approved and am obhged 
to you for your attention to the Southard where very httle has 
yet or is Likely to be done. Respecting the price of Forage 
of all kinds I must leave you to your own good Management 
not Doubting you will do the best you can for the Public. 
There appears to be such Wild work among our Masters now 
& we have so many of them that it is Impossible to please all 
or I had Like to have said any of them. I recommend you to 
Purchase all the Forage you can of food Quality Securing the 
Long in the most Convenient places for Transportation up the 
River and forwarding all the Short Grain To Trenton as fast 
you can. if you think it best to keep the Corn in ears you pur- 
chase there believe it ^dll be best to build Cribs, other Grain 
and that if shelled please to forward and Respecting the price 
you will keep your Eyes about and if Possible Purchase lower 
but not go higher than your Neighbours. Eight Dollars is given 
in the upper part of this State for oats & Buckwheat Ten Dol- 
lars for New Com & Rye & hope it won't go higher. Indeed 
at present its more likely to fall for its Certain 6 or 8000 
Troops is going from New York in which case the Campaign 
will Soon be over and our army will Divide to Different places 
for Quarters which will make it easier to Support them. There- 
fore as there is a probability of that being the case don't Con- 
tract for any Corn or other Grain but as it comes in which I 
think will make the people more Ready to push it in. I expect 
to be at Philadelphia next Sunday & Monday if convenient 
glad to see you. 

I am with Regard 
Your Huml. Sert. 

Moore Furman. 
^^Jacob Tagart Esq. 

1776, First Lieutenant, Third Battalion, and promoted to Captain. He 
was Major of the First Battalion of Militia, Assistant Quartermaster from 
Gloucester County, New Jersey, and stationed at Woodbury, N. J.; elected 
Sheriff in 1793. 

22Jacob Tagart of Salem County, New Jersey, married Rachel Mar- 
shall of Mansfield June 24, 1775, and died in 1798. 

He was first Assistant Quartermaster, then Quartermaster and Com- 



20 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, September 27th, 1779. 

Sir: 

I have received notice of a considerable Magazine of Pro- 
visions ordered to be Formed at Ringwood Iron Works (but 
this to yourself) and that a Quantity of Forage will also be 
wanted there which is Scarce in that Neighborhood, as you 
are the Nearest District to that of all I have thot. it best to 
order on what you can spare. I wrote Mr. Marsh not to press 
any more Hay in his District and to let a set of Hands go on 
to you so that it may be pressed & forwarded before the bad 
Weather & Roads prevent it — you will Let me know by first 
opportunity what Quantity of Hay & Grass you think you can 
spare from your District that I may provide for that Post at 
Ringwood from other places. 

By advices rec'd. from Different Counties and Districts in 
this State I find they are now giving and offering Forty 
Pounds per Ton for Best Hay Twelve Dollars for Rye Ten 
Dollars for Corn & Eight for Oats & Buckwheat at which I 
think Considerable Quantities is and will be collected before 
Winter and I hope you will not be Obliged to exceed those 
prices in your District. 

I am Sir 

Your Huml. Servt. 
^^David Banks Esq. Moore Furman. 

A. Q. M. 
Newark. 



missary of Forage during the Revolution, and in a letter to Charles Pettit 
in 1780 Mr. Furman writes of Mr. Tagart: (he) "is known to be an excel- 
lent officer." 

His children were: Richard; Elizabeth. 

23David Banks, the son of James Banks and Mary, daughter of Col. 
Josiah Ogden, his wife, was born in Newark, N. J,, May 14, 1743, married 
Susan, or Susannah Crane, the widow of John Clum, and died in Newark 
about 1820. 

He was Captain and afterwards Major of the Militia, Assistant Quar- 
termaster, and Quartermaster. He served through the entire war of the 
Revolution and was one of Washington's trusted soldiers. He was one 
of the party who accompanied Washington on his famous trip across the 
Delaware on Christmas night, 1776. After the war he was a prominent 
citizen of Newark, N. J. He was commissioner for settling accounts of 
the Quartermaster's Department. 

His children were: Lucetta, married Stephen Gould; David, born 1784, 



The Letters of Moore Furman 21 

Pitts Town October 1- 1779. 
Good Sir — 

I have your two favours of — & 26 Past — have sent order to 
the proper persons to Contract for Boards and forward them 
on towards Scotch Plains — and sent forward orders to Contl. 
Stables at Burlington to receive the Horse. This morning 
sent a trusty hand to see if the Boats are in order and fit to 
Launch into the Water agreeable to orders given about Ten 
days ago for that purpose if anything be wanting it shall be 
immediately done. Salt and provisions pass on quickly thro 
this State. They shall not be delayed depend upon it — I am 
quite pleased to find so considerable a quantity of Long Forage 
collected in the Quarter you expect the Troops may pitch their 
Tents. From present appearances it is not improbable that 
N. York may be in our possession before winter the ^^Count 
being on the Wing for our Assistance — I beg a passage in one 
of the Boats to that City — 

I am Sir 

Yr Mo't Obt 

Hbl. Servant 
Honble Maj. Gen. M. Furman. 

Nathaniel Greene 
Q. M. G. 
Camp 

by 

Express 



married Harriet Brenecke Lloyd; Mary, married (1) Mr. Meeker, (2) 
William Gould; Catherine, married Mr. Darling; Susan, married Stephen 
Gould. 

24Count D'Estaing, Charles Hector, was born in France, 1729, and died 
in Paris in 1794. 

After an adventurous beginning as a naval officer, he was taken prisoner 
by the English and was badly treated. On his release he took up the 
cause of the Colonies and did much to arouse interest in France favoring 
them. As a result he was sent out to their relief at the head of a fleet 
in 1778. He was asked to co-operate with Gen. Sullivan In expelling the 
British from Rhode Island, but through some misunderstanding they failed 
to unite. The Count sailed to the West Indies, where he captured St. 
Vincent and Grenada. In September, 1779, he suddenly appeared off 
Georgia and attacked Savannah, but failed and withdrew. He returned to 
France and persuaded the Government to send out Rochambeau. He was 
guillotined during the French Revolution. 



22 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, October 4th, 1779. 
Sir 

I received a line from Col. Biddle this Evening (4:29) 
dated yesterday at Sussex — he was then there and will be at 
home at Raritan tomorrow where I purpose to see him next day 
• — The Coll. writes me he is come to have the Salt & Flour for- 
warded that is in this District I have wrote to Trenton often 
lately to have them forwarded from Thence and am sure there 
is not a moments unnecessary delay there nor indeed in my 
district for we have at present as many Wagons as work and 
nothing but these two Articles has lately been sent forward 
unless it was when there was neither of them to go on. In my 
last I mentioned sending a person to examine the Boats at 
Middle Brook he is returned and reports they are ready to 
start on the Shortest Notice — Nothing will be wanting when 
the order comes but Horses, must I keep a Sufficient Number 
Contl. near the spot or depend on getting them from the 
inhabitants. I shall be glad of an order to Launch them 
as I shall then hope the Gentle Folk at New York will be dis- 
turbed but suppose we must wait for the arrival of the fleet. 

I am Sir 

Yr most obedient 
The Honl Humble Servant 

Major Genl M. Furman. 

N. Greene 
Q. M. G. 
Camp 

Pitts Town, October 9, 1779. 
Sir— 

This morning I advised you by Express that I expected to 
forward upwards of Forty Horses for Duty and now can in- 
form you 42 goes from this post and expect that they will be 
joyned in Somerset County with 15 or Twenty more which will 
make up about Sixty. Had I not been forbid to purchase could 
easily have made up the number called for but suppose they 
will be made up by Col. Hooper whose purchasers has been 
buying my district lately. I am Sir 

From Pitts Town 43 Yr most Obt Sert. 

from Somerset M. Furman. 

Honble Majr Genl 

N. Greene Q. M. G. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 23 

Pitts Town, Oct. 13th, 1779. 
Sir: — 

I have reed, your Favour of the 7th have not yet examined 
your Accts. but make no Doubt they will prove right on Ex- 
amination if any Errors shall note them. 

It requires the Spirit of Prophecy to give you Directions re- 
specting the Purchasing Forage — 

His Excellency Genl. Washington has lately ordered that a 
good Stock be laid in. you will therefore proceed to purchase 
on the best Terms you can I have done all in my power to keep 
down the Price but in vain I therefore as Forage must be had 
must leave you at Liberty not Doubting but you will do the best 
you can for the Public in whose service you are engaged You 
will get good Intelligence from the Neighboring States & if 
Possible not exceed them, correspond with the Purchasers in the 
adjoining Counties so that you may not raise the Price on each 
other — The Price hitherto given & ofFer'd for forage in this end 
of the State has generally been about Forty Pounds for Hay 
Eight Dollars for Oats & Buckwheat Ten for Com & Twelve 
Rye but are now rising. 

It is always expected that every kind of Forage will loose 
in Weight & Measure every Time it is moved therefore unless 
the Quantity is so large as to give Room to Support unfair 
plaj^ somewhere there will be no objection made for a reasonable 
Loss. 

I will try to get an order for the Rations in a few Days as 
I expect to see the C. G. of Issues here — You will write 
^^Captn. Bowen respecting the Prices of Forage — and I beg 
you will then inform him that I shall expect to see him the 10th 
next Month. 

I am sure you will do the best you can for the Public I there- 
fore must leave you to your own good management. 
I am with sincere resiiards 

Your Friend & Huml. Servt. 

Moore Furman 
Jacob 

Tagart 
Esquire 



25Seth Bowen, son of Dr. Elijah Bowen, Sr., and Deborah Swinney, his 
wife, was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, Dec. 28, 1711, mar- 



24 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, Oct. 18, 1779. 

Sir: 

Inclosed is Receipt and Coppy of Receipt for money supplid 
^^Mesr. Shute & ^^Van Court which they mentioned to Settle in 
your office. The Inclosed is Coppy of a Certificate presented to 
me for payment, please to say whether is must be paid or 
not — 

Major Gordon writes me that upwards of 300 Barrels flour 
went from Trenton the 14 or 15th Inst — and that there was 
not any Commissary Stores of any sort left there, at this 
Post there is about 100 Barls. Bread which goes to Easton to- 
morrow for ^^Gen. Sulhvans Army about 50 n. Pork and Five 
Barrels Salt nothing at any other Post in my District except 
Morris Town from whence shall write you soon. About Two 



ried May 2T, 1738, (1) Mary Bowen, (2) Charity Billins, and died 1785. 

He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Militia in the early part 
of the Revolution, Nov. 29, 1775, promoted to First Lieutenant a year 
later, and rose to the rank of Captain. He also served with distinction 
in the Commissary Department as Assistant Quartermaster and Quarter- 
master. 

His children were: Dan, married, 1766, Sarah Stites; Seth. 

26William Shute of Gloucester County, N. J., son of William Shute and 
Ann Hues, his wife, married Sarah Jones May 20, 1775, and died in 1796. 

He was Assistant Commissary of Issues, Captain and Paymaster of the 
Continental Army, also Colonel of Militia. 

His children were: George; William, married Sarah Adams; Ann; Sarah, 
and Mary. 

27Michael Van Court, of Morris County, New Jersey, was the son of 
Elias Van Court and Mary Kelly, his wife. 

He was Assistant Quartermaster General in the Revolutionary War. 

His children were: Elizabeth, born 1787, and Elias, born 1789. 

28john Sullivan was born in Maine in 1740. He studied law and was 
admitted to the bar, elected a member of the First Continental Congress in 
1775, and was appointed Brigadier General, and in 1776 Major General. 
He went to Canada, but was driven out, and when Greene was ill took 
command of Long Island. H^ was taken prisoner with Lord Stirling 
August 27, but was exchanged December 20, 1776, and superseded Lee in 
command in New Jersey, and was at Brandywine and Germantown in 1777 
and 1778. Sullivan was sent to assist Count D'Estaing in his attack on 
Rhode Island, but the Count sailing away to Boston, he was forced to 
retire. In 1779 he commanded a large force against the Six Nations. He 
resigned November 9, 1779. He was a Judge of the District Court from 
1779 to 1795. 

He died at Dunham, N. H., January 28, 1795. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 25 

hundred Thousand foot of Board purchased to the Southward 
are going on toward the S. Plain and laid down in different 
places believe upAvard of 50,000 feet Boards. Belonging to 
the old Encampment they can be moved on any time to the 
place wanted being near — The Boats and Harness is ready and 
nearly enough Horses belonging to the Contls. but I am at a 
loss for Drivers it not being mentioned where they are to come 
from I conclude it is from the Army. If that is not Intended 
will it not be best to engage the Farmers & their Horses to 
carry the Boats wherever they may be wanted. I will try if that 
can be done until I receive your orders. Since Col. Biddle was 
down I have been in pursuit of Several Persons that I expected 
to Engage in the Service of Visiting the Several Posts and 
making returns of Commissary and other Stores to Head Quar- 
ters but cannot get one that I can Recommend for the Service. 
Soon as I can will send him forward with the orders left by Col. 
Biddle. This moment received a letter from ^^Col. Stewart 
advising that the matter is Settled at Georgia which make no 
doubt you will have the Particulars of before this reaches you. 
I have not received them or would send them on now. I shall 
be as attentive as possible to every thing given me in charge 
that all may be Ready when called for which I expect will soon 
be the Case. 

I am Sir 
With the Greatest Respect 
Yr most obedt Humble St. 

M. Furman. 
18 Oct 1779. 

This moment received a letter from Mr. Gordon who informs 
me his Short Forage is out that Private Purchasers are giving 
half as much again for Grain as he has offered & thinks let him 
offer higher private Purchasers would still keep before us. the 
same intelligence comes from almost every Purchasers in the 
State. 



29Charles Stewart, son of Robert Stewart, was born in County Donegal, 
Ireland, in 1729, of Scottish parents, married Mary, daughter of Hon. 
Samuel Johnston of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and died at Flem- 
ington, N. J., July 24>, 1800. 

He came to America in 1750 and becarrie Deputy Surveyor General of 
the Province of Pennsylvania in 1767. In 1774 he was a member of the 
first convention in New Jersey that issued a declaration of their rights 



26 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Morris ToAvn October 19.79 
Sr 

I wrote you yesterday — This morning an Express was going 
through here with a letter from Major Gordon mentioning 
among other things that you were informed the Express or- 
dered to be stationed at several places was not fixed according 
to order the Major wrote me that his was fixed. I saw Col. 
Berry yesterday he told me one was fixed at Plukemin but it 
was not enough & therefore I desired he would loose no time 
in fixing another, this is certainly the best and most Expedi- 
tious way of forewarding Dispatches as the going through re- 
quires so many Horses being kept at different Posts which the 
Expresses uses so ill that its almost impossible to keep a suffi- 
cient number to perform the service with certainty. If for the 
future Letters are forwarded to this Post I think they will not 
fail being sent on to Phila with the utmost safety and Dis- 
patch — To Complete their passing thro this State two more or 
three should be fixed at Pompton which to save time I will ven- 
ture now to order — which you will please confirm to ^"Mr. Ken- 
nan if you think proper. I shall attend to this matter of the 
Expresses between Head Quarters & Phila until further orders. 

Express waiting 

I am Sr 
y Most obt St. 

M. Furman. 

Morris Town, Oct 19, 1779. 

Sr— 

Since writing this Morning I r'cd your favour of the 17th 
and will make up the number of Horses as you order but you 



against the Crown. Great effort was made by the Royalists to hold him, 
but he was one of the first to pledge his life, fortune and honor to defend 
the rights of the Americans as free men. In 1777 he was appointed Com- 
missary General of Issues, serving on Washington's Staff vintil the close 
of the war, Washington was warmly attached to him, and with his wife 
was several times his guest. In 1784-5 he was a Representative from New 
Jersey to Congress. 

His children were: Martha, married Capt. Robert Wilson; Charles; Sam- 
uel; a daughter, married Judge Wilson. 

soPeter Kinnan or Kennan married Marj'^ Fine, June 20, 1780. 

He was Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster General, and Captain 



The Letters op Moore Furman 27 

have not informed me how the men are to be procured, a Line 
from His Excellency Gen. Wasliington to our Governour for 
one militia Company to attend that Service I think will put it 
on such a Footing as to prevent any delay. These Militia will 
gladly accept that Service as their Duty. I had expectation 
of seeing our Governour here but find he is in Raritan if I 
don't see him on my retura which I intend Coll. Berry will 
apply immediately to the Governour and propose this plan — I 
have been called on here as an Evidence and have been intero- 
gated by all parties. Nothing of consequence (in my opinion 
has yet been proved against Lewis) the evidence against the 
other two Gentlemen are not yet examined. Indeed Sir I must 
say that from what I can see and hear yet the Public suffers 
by taking up the time of all concerned and more to gratify pri- 
vate spleen than regard for public good. Shall immediately 
write to ^^Capt. Young D. Q. M. G. to ^^ord Stirlings Division 
for a return of the Horses & fill up the Vacancy as Soon as in 
my power to purchase them. I long to hear of the Arrival of 
the Fleet that there may be a chance for New York this Fall. 
The advices from Georgia puts Fresh Spirit in the People & 
Expect two thousand militia will be pretty readily got in this 
State to assist in that Service — What is to be done about the 
price of Forage.'' The People now ask me more than until 
very lately was ever thought of and the Magistrates in whose 



during the Revolution, and was stationed at Pompton, N. J., for some 
time. 

3iHenry Young was from Pequannock, Morris County, N. J., and was 
appointed Surrogate in 1T62. He pledged himself from Morris County, 
1776, to defend the Constitution, and was Captain and also Deputy Quar- 
termaster General in the Revolution. 

32William Alexander, "Lord Stirling," son of James Alexander and Mrs. 
Provost, widow of David Provost, was born in New York in 1723, married 
Sarah, daughter of Philip Livingston and Catherine Van Brugh, his wife, 
and died at Albany Jan. 15, 1783. He held the office of Surveyor General 
and was also a member of the Provincial Council, 1761. He was a founder 
of Kings, now Columbia College, and its first Governor. His record in the 
Revolutionary War was very distinguished. In 1779, he was in command 
in New Jersey and surprised a British force at Paulus Hook. He took 
part in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. In 1776 
he was commissioned Brigadier General for the Middle Department. 

His children were: Mary, born 1749, married Robert Watts; Catherine, 
born 1755, married (1) William Duer, (2) William Nielson. 



28 The Letters of Moore Furman 

hand the Law is Countenance them and adjudge the prices 
asked. Hay is now Ffty pounds in this County Rye 18 Dolr 
Com 16 D. Oats & Buckwheat 12D & Cannot get money fast 
enough to pay for it nor time to count it if I could get it at 
these rates & Dollar Depreciated to 2 d unless Congress recom- 
mend & the Several States come into Some regulating Law to 
put a stop to these things it will be impossible to Supply the 
Army if ever so much money is made for the increase in Quan- 
tity keeps the Depreciation in constant motion. Our Assem- 
bly meets next Tuesday — I wish for some pressing letters about 
these things to them at their first meeting. I propose to be 
in Trenton then and will apply to them for some kind of Re- 
lief — a Law lately passed in N. York State Respecting Forage 
if that can be forwarded it may be useful — Our Legislature 
may lead it they wont Drive. * 

I am Sir 

Yr Most Hble Servant 

M. Furman. 
P. S. The Salary in our Department is so low that Several 
of the most valuable persons employed in this State will soon 
quit the service and unless in my power to give more shall not 
be able to supply their places. ^^Mr. Pommeroy — Issuer of 
Forage here and a valuable man in his place told me today 
that he must leave the service as the Salary v/ill not Support 
him I should be willing to pay him something myself but it is a 
Complaint with all & I cannot make allowance to all — I plead 
with them to continue the campaign and hope shall keep most 
of them on till its ends. 

Pitts Town, Oct. 26th, 1779. 
Dr. Sir: 

I must not omitt informing you that the men belonging to 
^Capt. Brays Brigade has been guilty of the most wicked prac- 
tices imaginable on the road, the Captain will Liform you that 

ssjohn Pomeroy of Morris County married Elizabeth Beegle Jan. 18, 
1778. 

He was Issuer of Forage at Morristown during the war of the Revo- 
lution. 

s^Daniel Bray, son of Daniel Bray of Kingwood, N. J., married May 

21, 1772, to Mary Woolverton, and died Dec. 5, 1819, at Flemington, N. J. 

He was first commissioned Lieutenant, then promoted to Captain of the 



The Letters of Moore Furman 29 

they are accused of Several Robberies before they arrived here 
and last Evening they Robed a Negro Man they broke the 
Lock of my Milk House and took all so that my family were 
obliged to eat Dry Bread this Morning I would have been 
more particular in Examining into the whole but that would 
Stop the Brigade and therefore Let them pass for your Inspec- 
tion & Refer you to Capt. Bray for Particulars 

In Haste Dr. Sir 
Yr. m h. Sevt 
M. Furman. 
^^Colo. J. Mitchell 

D. Q. M. G. Philada. 

Trenton, Oct. 27, 1779. 
Dear Sir 

I came here last Evening Soon after I heard of the ^^Expe- 
dition from Staten Island and immediately sent off a person for 
Intelligence and received the inclosed which is all I have yet 
got — and that it is said there was about one hundred Horses 
and that they pushed for South Amboy — Shall get a particu- 
lar account of the Damage as soon as possible. Our Assembly 
has met but the Choosing a Governour & other ceremonies will 

Second Regiment of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was also 
Brigadier General of the New Jersey Militia. He was assigned by Wash- 
ington to seize and guard all the river boats, December, 1776, on the Dela- 
ware. Cornwallis was informed and sent a detachment, but so well hidden 
were the boats that they were unable to discover them. On that memor- 
able night of Christmas, 1776, his faithful work made possible the passage 
of the river and consequent descent upon the Hessians at Trenton. 

His children were: John; Daniel; Wilson, born 1795, married Mary, 
daughter of Thomas West; Andrew, married Sarah, daughter of Elisha 
Rittenhouse; Jonathan; Delilah, married Jonathan Rittenhouse; Betsey, 
married Edward Rittenhouse ; Hannah, married Jonathan Blackwell ; Susan, 
married Israel Bateman. 

35John Mitchel of Philadelphia, Pa., was appointed Mustermaster to the 
Naval Armaments and Artillery of the Province, having offered gratis, 
March 9, 1776, and Master of the Provincial armed ship, March 21, 1776. 
He was also appointed to keep the stores at Pottsgrove, Pa., and in 1778 
he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster. He was Colonel of a battalion 
of militia of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and in 1781 was appointed 
by Washington to the command at Wyoming. 

seSimcoe's raid was one of the famous exploits of the British during the 
Revolution. With his celebrated guard, called the Queen's Rangers, he 



30 The Letters of Moore Furman 

take up this week so that nothing can be done till next when 
I will return here again, if they will do nothing to enable me 
to collect the Grain that can be spared in the State fear it will 
not be in my Power to do it & this seems to be the opinion of 
every Q. Master in the State 

I am Sir 

Yr most Obt 

Moore Furman. 
P. S. I was much afraid the Enemies object was the Forage 
but they have destroyed very little of that. What will be done 
to save it. Will there be some troops down to Scotch plains 
or near to keep off there small parties it will be the work of 
time to mow Hay — 

Pitts Town, 29th, Oct., 1779. 
Sir: 

I wrote you from Trenton the 27th upon my return last 
evening find a Letter from Colo. Berry informing me he had 
given you a particular account of the Damage done by the 
Enemy in his District the 26th Instant which I am very Sorry 
for — - 

I am now very uneasy at the exposed Situation of the Forage 
which make no doubt will be thought of at Head Quarters, a 
Considerable Quantity of Hay at and near the Scotch Plains is 
then a few hours March of the Enemy and I fear for it — 

I shall make up the Horses wanted in Lord Stirlings Divi- 
sion in a few Days and forward them to him. Boards is going 
on to the Eastward but am afraid to Send them to * Quibble 
Town untill there is Some Guard there. 

I am Sir 

Your most obt. Sert. 
Honble. M. Genl. Moore Furman. 

N. Green 

Q. M. G. 



came from Staten Island upon the Jersies with the object of capturing 
Gov. Livingston and destroying fifty boats which he heard were being 
collected at Van Vechten's bridge for a descent on New York by the 
rebels. Upon his arrival, however, he found that the greater part of the 
boats had been sent forward and the Governor could not be found ! 
Simcoe successfully impressed every one he met with the idea that his 
* Original name Squabbletown, now New Market. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 31 

Sir: 

I received yrs of Mr. Yard, the Account we have here is 
that about 130 of the Enemy's Horse landed on Sandy Point 
about Amboy about 12 at night and Marched from thence to 
Quibble Town destroyed what store we had there, from there 
went to Raritan and Destroyed Mills Town & took bulk of 
goods of two farmers & set fire to the Court House which was 
burned down with two other houses. Thence they went on to- 
wards Brunswick and about Three miles this side of that place 
there was a small party of our people who fired on them Shot 
their Commander Simcoe took him prisoner, the others went 
off towards South Amboy some where on their way they fell in 
with ^^Capt. Voorhess who was obliged to surrender himself 
prisoner notwithstanding the infernal Barah cut him to pieces. 

I am Sir 
Your Obt Servant 
''Robt Stockton 
Oct. 27, 1779. 



force was American, and even had the audacity to pass as Quartermaster 
of the Virginia Light Horse, drawing the forage he required, and also 
arresting several persons as suspected Tories. Being recognized by a 
chance traveller, word was sent to New Brunswick. Capt. Guest came 
out with a small force and put them to flight. The death of Capt. Peter 
Voorhees, who was on a furlough, was considered a cold-blooded murder 
by the Americans, as he was helpless and the prisoner of the enemy. Sim- 
coe was wounded and taken prisoner, but recovered, due to the care given 
him by the Americans; and after the war was made Governor General of 
Canada. 

svPeter Voorhees of New Brunswick was the son of Johannes Voorhees 
and Catherine Schuyler, his wife. 

He entered the Continental Service as Second Lieutenant of the First 
Battalion in Capt. Conway's Company, Nov. 39, 1775, promoted to First 
Lieutenant Sept. 18, 1776, and to Captain Nov. 1, 1777. Capt. Voorhees 
was a brother-in-law of Col. John Nielson and a promising young man. 
He had served with Gen. Sullivan against the Six Nations and was es- 
teemed a brave officer. At the time of Simcoe's raid he was home on leave 
and was to have been married the next day. Hearing the enemy was at 
his doors, he joined the party who went out to repulse them, was caught 
in a fence while attempting to jump it, and when helpless was murdered 
oy the Hessians. He was deeply lamented. 

38Robert Stockton, son of Robert Stockton and Rebecca Phillips, his 
wife, was born in Princeton, N. J., married Helen MacComb, and died 
April 24, 1805. 

He was a patriotic citizen of his native town and very active during 



S2 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, 29 Oct., 1779. 
Sir: 

I wrote you from Trenton the 27th upon my return last 
Evening find a letter from Col. Berry informing me he had 
given you a particular account of the Damage done by the 
Enemy in his District which I am very Sorry for — I am now 
very uneasy at the exposed situation of our Forage which 
make no doubt will be thought of at Head Quarters & Con- 
siderable Quantity of Hay at or near the Scotch plain is within 
a few hours march of the Enemy and I fear for it — Shall make 
up the Horses wanted in Ld Stirlings Division in a few days 
and forward them to him. Boards is going on to the Eastward 
but am afraid to send them to Quibble Town untill there is 
some Guard there I am Sr — 

M. Furman Esqr — 

Pitts Town, October 29th, 1779. 
Sir: 

The Western Army is on their March from Easton for Mor- 
ris Town, is said they Cross by Hackets Town and its probable 
wjll go through Suckasunny. You will therefore Send ^^ Mr. 
Const. Cooper or some other person to meet and pro- 
vide them with Forages. A number of Wagons will 
therefore be wanted to assist them a long to whatever 
place they are going to and it will be necessary to Send a 
proper person to meet the Army and inquire how many so that 
you may have time to furnish them. They were at the Log 
Goal in Sussex Last night and will march from thence this Day 
so that you will loose no time in doing the needful. 

I am in haste 

Yr. Most Huml. Sert. 
^'^Joseph Lewis, Esq. Moore Furman. 



the Revolution. Gen. Washington is said to have stopped with him for a 
weei£ in December, 1776, at "Constitution Hill," Princeton. 

His children were: Ebenezer; Job; James; Elizabeth, married Rev. 
Ashbel Greene; Nancy; James; Mary, married Thomas P. Johnson. 

39Constant Cooper of Morris County, New Jersey, married (1st) Abigail 

Kenny, 1758; (2d) Sarah , in Feb., 1777; (3d) Phebe Vanderhoof, 

April, 1777. 

He was Purchasing Forage-master during the war in Morris County. 

His children were: David, born 1761; Mehetabel, born 1763, by his first 
wife. 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 33 

Pitts Town, Oct. 31, 1779. 
Sir: 

Mr. VanCourt called on me this day about some Horses for 
Ld. Stirlings Division. I received your Orders respecting them 
at Morris Town the 19th and immediately wrote for them to 
Capt. Henry Young D. Q. M. G. for a return of those neces- 
sary to be enchanged since which have been collecting all the 
Cont. Horses fit for Service and purchasing some to make up 
the number wanted. Last Evening I received a line from Capt. 
Young informing me that there is fifty-seven wanting which 
number I expect to start from here next Tuesday or Wednes- 
day and hope they will be in good time. They might have 
gone on before if I had heard from Capt. Young earlier. I am 
with greatest Respect 

Sir Yr. Most obt. Servant 

Moore Furman. 

The Horses Mr. Van Court brought from Camp he left af 
Sussex which I have desired may be sent on — ^You have retun, 
of our Loss by the Enemy in Col. Berry's District, shall m 
doubt soon receive orders about these things. 

Pitts Town, Nov. 8, 1779. 
Sir: 

Your favor of the 3 inst. came to hand last Evening and just 
before it one from Col. Cox to nearly the same purpose. Mr. 
Burnside goes off this morning to the Eastward to get all the 
Boards and Forage forwarded from the Lines that is pos- 



40Joseph Lewis, son of Edward Lewis of Morristown, N. J., and Sarah, 
daughter of Daniel Morris of Baskingridge, married Anna, daughter of 
Rev. Timothy Johnes, D.D., of Morristown. 

During the Revolution Mr. Lewis served faithfully in the various posi- 
tions as Commissary of Issues, Assistant Quartermaster, Quartermaster, 
and also as Paymaster of the Militia. After the war he was appointed 
Clerk of the County, 1782, and in 1792 we find him appointed First Vice- 
president of the Public Library of his town. 

His children were: Stevens Johnes, born 1773, married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Dr. Gardiner Jones of New York; John Le Conte, born 1775, died 
young; Elizabeth, born 1776, died young; Jacob Ford, born 1778; Timothy 
Johnes, born 1780, married (1) Sophia, daughter of Dr. Nathan Woodhull, 
(2) Abigail L. Perrine; Elizabeth Johnes, born 1783; Anna Brewster, born 
1785, married Charles H. Morrell; Joseph, born 1788; William Johnes, 
born 1789, married Elizabeth Ann Marsh of New York. 



34) The Letters of Moore Furman 

sible. ^^General Maxwell coming down may be of some use in 
keeping off the Enemy unless they come in too gi^eat Force 
which I fear will be the case but his coming shall not relax our 
endeavours to have every thing possible removed — I will have 
the Books safely left at the White House separate — and put to 
different good Whig Farmers Houses and kept in as good 
order as possible. Respecting the Order you mention given by 
Maj. Burnet to have the Boats at Raritan removed to a Pond 
near Pluckemin I never heard of it before, have desired Mr. 
Burnside to inquire of Col. Berry who was the order given to. 
The Boards go on to Morris Town some of them will stop 
there and some go on to different places beyond it between 
that and Pompton — I am very sensible of what you say re- 
specting allowances being made for the poor Q. Masters and 
will endeavour to want none — however I must say If I should 
want I should be apt to look for it from the Officers of the 
Army before my fellow citizens — I am very likely to be very 
soon in a worse Situation than ever, all my assistants and 
Foragers say they must leave the Service the Wages is so low 
that they are obliged to spend in one day when they are out 
more than four days pay & Subsistence. What is to be done 
I have encouraged them to go on to the end of this Campaign 
& some of them I have desired to keep an account of their 
expenses from the 1st this month and given them hopes that it 
shall be allowed. And Another great trouble is the want of 
Money without which we cannot get Forage — private Specu- 
lators is buying it up and we cannot help ourselves I do not 
like to trouble you with these things but must mention it as 
the service really suffers on account of them & will suffer more — 
I write & send off a messenger to Cols. Cox & Pettit this Day 
for relief respecting money. I must beg your Orders what 



4iWilliam Maxwell, the son of John Maxwell and Ann , his wife, 

born 1734 in Newton Stewart, County Tyrone, and died 1796, unmarried. 

He was in the unfortunate expedition of Braddock with Washington, 
fought through the French and Indian Wars with distinction, and bore 
himself with honor with Wolfe at Quebec. In 1776 he was appointed 
Chairman of Sussex County Committee of Safety, and Colonel of the 
First Sussex Regiment. He was soon appointed Brigadier General in 
the Continental line, and so distinguished himself as to gain Washington's 
regard. According to tradition, he was a tall, stalwart man, with a bluflF 
and hearty manner and much liked by his soldiers, who, from his Scottish 
descent and accent, called him "Scotch Willie." 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 35 

Steps I must take about the Subsistance of my assistants & 
Foragers. 

I am with greatest Regard 
Dr Sr Y. most Hble Servant 

Moore Furman. 
P. S. I forwarded Fifty Seven good Horses to Ld. Stirlings 
Division last week — It will be a great advantage to the Army 
to have no spare Horses kept in the State. I have lately sold 
all that was not proper to keep over & sent forward to Wil- 
mington those that are for Winter Quarters. 

Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. 
Sir: 

This goes by a set of Bakers who I beg you will push to 
work as soon as Possible as I need not tell you the want of 
bread in our army. Mr. Gamble will I suppose well Superin- 
tend them so that you will have nothing more to do than set 
them going by having the Ovens repaired and keep them in 
fire wood. 

This moment I have yours by Morrison and I am Sorry to 
inform you its not in my power to Send you any Money being 
called upon on all Sides. I send ^^Furman Yard this Day to 
Philda. to tell our Case & Pray for relief — If I get any or as 
soon as I do you shall have Share, Some knowing the Impor- 
tance of your Post to the Army. 

I think your Carpenters too high those at Trenton have 
engaged for two Months at Twenty Dollars their Enlistments 
being out at Ten Dollars at which they had worked Six Months 
Past — 1st this Month. 

I cannot undertake to raise the Wages of any one in our 
District untill Congress do it. I hope these Gentlemen will 
not leave the Service so Suddenly. I beg them to Continue 
untill the army gets into Winter Quarters when no doubt some- 
thing will be done, in the mean time let them keep an exact 



42Furman Yard, son of Joseph Yard and Anne Furman, his wife, was 
an active Revolutionary oflBcer, and was an Assistant Quartermaster and 
Deputy Quartermaster General. His father, Joseph Yard, son of Joseph 
Yard and Anne Dagworthy, was a merchant of position in Trenton. His 
children were: James, who married Elizabeth Kortright; Furman, unmar- 
ried; Anne, married Gen. Frelinghuysen ; Elizabeth, married Dr. Elmen- 
dorf. 



36 The Letters of Moore Furman 

account of their Traveling expenses from the first day of this 
month in which I trust they will be as frugal as Possible and 
I will do my utmost that they Shall be allow'd it and I expect 
it will be allowed. 

I know not how to Count to the giving more than Twenty 
Dollars per Day to the Carpenters with the usual allowance 
of rations & hope You will be able to engage a Company for a 
Month or two at that. Certainly it is better to take Twenty 
Dollars & be paid every day in the month than 25 and oidy 
receive for the workings and fair days, you will try to engage 
a Sufficient number to put up the Stable Horse Sheds & Guard 
house this month even if you are obliged to give more tlian 
Twenty Dollars as they will be likely to be much wanted there 
and very soon Shall write you again by ^^Morrison & am 

Your Distressed Friend 

M. Furman. 

Mr. Burnside will be with you soon I am just informed that 
Mr. Morrison returns today and therefore send this by Him 
when Mr. Burnside arrji^es you must call around and determine 
on Building a Guard House in the best Cheapest and most ex- 
peditious manner putting it in the most Convenient place, a 
person must be engaged to receive and receipt for the Boards 
that will be Sent on to Morris Town and that district, will Mr. 
Lindsley engage for Q. M. Pay and his Expenses. Mr. Burn- 
side will advice you how they are to be disposed on — 

Joseph Lewis Esq. Q. M. Morris Town. 

Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. 
Dr. Sir: 

I suppose it not unlikely that the Enemy are preparing at 
Staten Island for another desent upon this State it is there- 
fore the Quarter Master Genl, orders that all the Boards in 
your Care be immediately removed To Morris Town Directed 
to the Care of Joseph Lewis Esq. who will appoint a man to 
receive & receipt for them— You will also remove to Mr. Lewis 



43Samuel Morrison was born in 1753 and rriarried (1st) Mary Johnson, 
Nov. 1, 1779; (2d) Christiana Hoffman. 

He was during the Revolution Wagon master, but was promoted to 
the position of Assistant Quartermaster General. 

His child was: Catherine Maria, born 1784. 



The Letters of Moore Furman S7 

all the hay you possibly can beginning with that whicn is 
Standing in greatest Quantities and nearest the enemies Lines 
Mr. Bumside goes to advise with you on the best way of Se- 
curing all Public Property in your District which make no 
doubt you will do your utmost to Preserve 

I am Sir 
Major Daniel Marsh Your most Huml. Servt. 

Q. M. M. Furman. 

Railway. 

Pitts Town, November 8th, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

I have just received orders from Colo. Cox Confirming those 
Lord Stirlings for separating the Boats about which Mr. Bum- 
side will call to advise with you. you will please to bring off 
everything of Public Property that you can from Rariton. the 
Boards you will have sent on to Morris Town as fast as Pos- 
sible to be Delivered to Joseph Lewis Esq. Q. M. as it is not 
Certain the Artillary will not Come down to the Park at 
Pluckemin to Winter and if they do what boards they want may 
stop as they come from the Southard, its thought the Enemy 
on Staten Island are preparing for another Desent on this 
State with more force. 

You will no doubt do everything in your Power to Prevent 
their Destroying Public Property, if you have not received 
orders to the Contrary from the Quarter Master General its 
Colo. Cox's orders that the men attending the Boats after 
Depositing them in Different Places rather on this than the 
other side of your House be Discharged as also what Private 
Property Horses they have Taking Public Property Horses into 
your Custody and puting them into the Best Pasture you can 
get for them advising me of their number & the order they 
are in. 

Shall be glad to hear from you about those things first op- 
portunity. Suppose you can get Teams in the Neighborhood 
to take the Boards to Morris Town as theres no more Stores 
at Park it is Proper to Move. 

I am Sir 
**Colo. Sidney Berry Yours &c., 

Q. M. Moore Furman. 

Somerset County. 



S8 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Pitts Town, Novemb 15, 1779. 
Dear Sir 

Your favour of the 11th just is before me — I will pay imme- 
diate attention to the Orders respecting the Boards and Forage 
as our double disappointment of bad success at Georgia and 
the Counts return to the West Indies will I expect cause our 
Army to be soon in motion. 

I have been very uneasy least my neglect should appear in 
Respect to the Boats destroyed by the Enemy — Mr. Bumside 
went to the Eastward last week and collected the enclosed or- 
ders sent at different times respecting them. Mr, Burnside 
thinks six of those at Raritan will be repaired which when done 
will be sent up into the neighborhood of the White House. 
Those Nine remaining have separated to different places three 
at a House about five miles distant from White House. The 
Officers of the Western Army (the Q. Master to the Eastward 
complain) have too many Contl. Horses for the Forage which 
for want of money and other reasons is really hard to collect — 
I suppose there has not yet been any return of the Horses 
Saddles &c. made by that Army, as few Horses as possible 
should be kept in this State as there is no Supplies coming on 
that I hear from the Southward & what can be spared here 
will not be sufficient to keep those that must remain with the 
Army well — 



44Sidney Berry was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, May 20, 
1745, married Oct. 10, 1768, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel Waldron 
and Joanna Beekman, and died in Northcumberland, Saratoga County, 
N. Y., on Aug. 3, 1820, 

He was Assistant Quartermaster and Quartermaster, stationed at Alam- 
ington. New Bromley, and Milestone, N, J., and also Major and Colonel 
in the militia. He was detailed, Sept. 30, 1776, to receive the message sent 
by Lord Howe to invite Dr. Franklin, John Adams and Mr. Luttrage to a 
conference. In 1781 he was appointed Commissioner to secure estimates 
of the damage sustained by the inhabitants of Hunterdon County during 
the war. After he removed to New York he was appointed First Surro- 
gate and one of the five Judges who held the first Court in Saratoga 
County, May 10, 1791. He was also first member of the Assembly from 
that County in 1792. 

Mrs. Berry was an active member of the committee, formed in Hunter- 
don County on July 4, 1776, to collect subscriptions for the soldiers. 

His children were: John Mehelm; Daniel; Mary, married Isaac Bunnell 
Payne; Samuel Beekman; Betsey, born 1781, married (1) James Rogers, 
(2) Esek Cowen; Sidney; Susan Laboon, 



The Letters of Moore Furman S9 

I suppose Col. Hooper has or soon will resign his Post as 
D. Q. M. G. must therefore beg leave to remind you that that 
County whenever that event was to happen was to be added to 
my District. A man of Property acquainted with Business 
and Accounts will accept it as soon as it falls into my power 
to give it to him. The Separation of that County I am sure 
has been attended with great loss to the Public & will continue 
until joyned. I must pay a Thousand Pounds this week to this 
State for serving the Public & that gives me an appetite for 
a little more Commission or I can't stand them — shall go to 
Trenton & Burlington tomorrow, the Stables are building and 
will be ready for ^^Majr. Lees Horse soon but know not how to 
get Forage. The Q. M. at Burlington writes me the Pennsyl- 
vanians are coming over and giving 20 Dollars for Com & 
much more for Hay than we have yet given & taking quantities 
from us. Our People cry out against the Q. M. for raising the 
prices and none more willing to get the highest than them- 
selves. 

I am dear Sir 
With S. Reg. 
Moore Furman. 

Trenton, 22 Nov., 1779. 
Dear Sir: — 

I have your favour of — wrote at Morris Town and am doing 
every thing in my power to hasten on all supplies its possible 
to get. I have wrote and sent to every Person forwarding 
Boards, there has been upwards of a hundred thousand feet 
sent on already which by reason of the uncertainity of the spot 
is laid down in different places in the District of Col. Berry 
Maj. Marsh & Mr. Lewis who will forward them to any place 
you will be pleased to order. I have wrote them to inform you 
whats under their care. The whole Quantity ordered would 
have been forwarded, they were engaged but the Dry time has 
prevented the Saw Mills from going nor has the late rain 

45The renowned Light Horse Harry Lee from Virginia was born Jan. 29, 
1756, and died in Georgia, March 25, 1818. He was graduated from the 
College of New Jersey in 1774 and became a captain in Bland's Legion of 
Virginia in 1775. His career in the Revolution was most distinguished 
throughout, and the most brilliant exploit of the war was probably his cap- 
ture of Paulus Hook. In 1785-8 he was a delegate to Continental Con- 
gress and in 1792-5 Governor of Virginia. 



40 The Letters of Moore Furman 

raised the Springs the ground being so dry it has drank up all 
that fell, there will be with the Boards at Raritan when all is 
collected together upward of 200,000 ft, already forwarded & 
all that can be got as fast as sawed will be sent on. Col. Cox 
has wrote for some to Phila, but there is none there. I have 
ordered on all the Horses in my District able for Duty which 
hope will help a little tho don't expect there will be above thirty 
or Forty. I have had great pleasure for Day or two in seeing 
several hundred Barrels Flour go out of town for Camp which 
hope will arrive in time to prevent the Army from too long 
fast — On inquiry find there is not Twenty Barrel of Provisions 
in the post to send on — 

Last Saturday I waited on our Assembly and informed them 
of the impossibility of supplying the Army with Forage with- 
out Their aid. they are willing to do anything that shall be 
necessary for the purpose if the other States would but joyn 
them but thats the work of time I told them our wants were 
immediate. They have promised to do something but fear 
nothing short of restricting the prices will induce the Farmers 
to spare their grain freely and they say it will be unjust to 
restrain their Constituents when all the other States are free— 
I hope the Boards will soon be collected to the Place you want 
them. Shall be glad to hear as soon as convenient where you 
fix & which is the Last & at present we are obliged to send off 
the Teams with orders to inquire — 

I am Sr. 

Yours 

M. Furman. 

Pitts To^vn, November 20th, 1779. 
Sir: 

By a letter reed, by Express from Gen'l Greene we learn 
that it is almost reduced to a certainty that the Army will 
Halt between Quibble Town Gap 8i Baskinridge and that be- 
fore this time the army is in Motion towards that place. Genl. 
Greene is to go a Head of them to lay out the Quarters, you 
will please to attend to the above and endeavour to attend Genl 
Greene when he is in your District from whom you will receive 
the necessary orders relative to the Department, 

Mr. Furman is now at Trenton & by Express last night 
desired me to inform you of the above^ 



The Letters of Moore Furman 41 

I make no doubt but it will be very agreeable to you to have 
our Army in your Neighborhood and am 

Sir your Huml. Sevt, 

*®James Bumside 

P. S. Please to send per Bearer the Saddle baggs the money 
was taken to you in. 
Ma jr. Marsh Q. M. 

Pitts Town, Nov. 27th, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

I wrote you from Trenton from whence I returned Thursday 
Evening, before I left home I set out two Foragers in my 
Neighborhood and directed them to give 20 D for Rye 16 for 
Com & 12 for Oats & Buckwheat which was the Genl. prices 
given throughout my District and was in hopes they would 
have collected considerable not only sufficient to supply this 
Post but some to forward towards the main Army but was sur- 
prized when I returned to find none was collected on Accounts 
as the Foragers inform me of so much more now giving in Sus- 
sex by which means the People not only refuse selling to me 
but carry it out of this County into that — carry in from the 
Army to carry it to the Army — And this Evening Mr. Van 
Court comes down and confirms the Report of the great Prices 
given them Viz — 30 Dollars for Com & Rye & 20 for Buck- 
wheat which is from 25 to 50 P.C. more than is giving in this 
State or in Pennsylvania The high Prices giving in that 
County throws me into the greatest confusion and obliges me 
to raise the price so much higher throughout the whole State 
which will not only make a very great noise & bring on a little 
greater Clamour against the Department or if I don't raise 
the Price I cannot get even what Forage is to spare — my prin- 
cipal reason for representing the Matter is that you may be 
acquainted with my circumstances occasioned by the Prices 
giving in that County and to beg your orders by the Bearer 



46Jame<; Burnside of Philadelphia, Pa., during the Revolution, was Com- 
missary on the staflf of General Dickinson, also Deputy Quartermaster 
and Captain, 1778-80. 

He was the first teacher at the Trenton Academy and resigned, 1782, 
and was a bookseller in Trenton for a short time. In 1785 he purchased 
land in Burlington County, also in 1799. 



42 The Letters of Moore Fubman 

what prices I am to give in future. If they have Permission to 
give more than I have yet heard of being given in the Thirteen 
United States they are right in doing it. if it was left to their 
discretion I leave them in your Hands — Forage is no Doubt 
much wanted by the Army & forever will while there is so many 
Purchasers and the Prices is constantly rising in one place or 
other — I have been for some Time troubled about the Prices 
given in Pennsylvania and the Grain on this Side the River 
being bought up and carried over to that. That practice be- 
lieve I put nearly a stop to by raising the Price a little and 
seizing some that was going over — I got an order from a Mag- 
istrate at Bordentown to take about 200B Corn lodged in ^^Mr. 
Borden's Stores bought at Crosswicks for a Man in Bucks 
County — some grain is Bought by the Purchasers for the Army 
and carried over, how such a thing can ever be thought of a 
Purchaser for the Army I know not, I may as well buy up at 
Morris Town and bring it here — but these are not all my 
Troubles I am much distressed for want of money, the Post 
at Morris Town is now become a very considerable one I have 
not a Dollar nor have I any to send them — I have wrote to 
Mr. Pettit repeatedly, his last to me advises that he has ap- 
plied & applied again to the Treasury Board without Success 
and has at last made application directly to Congress but had 
not then received any ansr. hope I shall soon hear from him 
to some purpose or all things will be at a stand with me. 

If you remember when I took an appointment of Q. Master 
& Forager of this State Sussex County excepted, that County 
was whenever it was given up by Mr. Hooper to be annexed to 
my District. The Qu. M. Genl. and his Assistants continue 
of that mind and hope you will also be of opinion, it will be of 
public utility to adopt that Measure, for me I am of opinion 



47Joseph Borden, son of Joseph Borden and Mary Ann Conover, his 
wife, was born at Bordentown, N. J., August 1, 1719, married Elizabeth 
Rogers, daughter of Marmaduke Watson, and died April 8, 1791. 

He was Justice of the Peace, 1749, Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, 1757, a member of the Assembly of New Jersey, 1769, and in 1765; 
a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress in 1774, and of the Committee of 
Observation in 1775. In the Revolution he was Colonel of the First Regi- 
ment of Burlington County, N. J., and afterwards Quartermaster. 

His children were: Mary, married Thomas McKean; Nancy, married 
Francis Hopkinson; Joseph, married Mary, daughter of Langhorne Biles. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 43 

a few thousand would not make the disadvantage of their sep- 
aration to the Public to this Time — I send the bearer on pur- 
pose with this to have your advice in a matter of such impor- 
tance and that requires such haste in regulating — I have no 
Doubt but our Assembly will pass a law to prevent forestalling 
and ingrossing &ca that will be of some use — but until the 
other States come into it also they cannot propose Law for 
Regulating or Restricting the Prices — 

I am with the greatest Esteem, 
D. Sir 

Your most obt. Servant. 
M. Furman. 

P. S. I shall be glad to see you next Time you come to 
Raratan. here if convenient if not and I can know will wait on 
you— ''Colo. Clemt. Riddle 
C. G. F. 

Pitts Town, December 2d, 1779. 
Sir: 

I am this Day Informed by the Q. M. General that the Con- 
tinental Army will meet near *'Mr. Kemble's House Four 
Miles on this Side Morris Town you will therefore Sent for- 



48Clement Biddle, son of John Biddle and Sarah Owen, his wife, was 
born in Philadelphia May 10, 1740, married (1st) Mary Richardson, (2d) 
Rebecca, daughter of Gideon Cornell and Rebecca Vaughn, his wife, and 
died July 14, 1814. 

Col. Biddle was appointed a delegate to the First Continental Congress 
Sept. 5, 1774. He was active in organizing the military anomaly, "The 
Quaker Company of Volunteers," of which he was an officer in 1775. In 
1777 he was appointed Deputy Quartermaster of the "flying camp" of 
10,000 men. He took part in the Battle of Trenton, and afterwards 
Washington appointed him to receive the swords of the Hessians. He 
was in several of the most important battles of the Revolution. After 
the war was over he was active in the founding of the Government, and 
was appointed by Washington, United States Marshal of Pennsylvania. 

His children were: Thomas, married Christiana Williams; James, mar- 
ried Elizabeth Kepling; John, married Mary Widdle; Jacob, unmarried; 
Clement, married Mary Barkley; Mary, married Gen. George Cadwalader; 
Rebecca, married Dr. Mathew Chapon; Nancy, married Thomas Dunlap; 
Sally, unmarried. 

49Peter Kemble, son of Richard Kemble and a beautiful Greek lady 
named Mavrocordato, his wife, was born at Smyrna in 1704, married (1) 



44 The Letters of Moore Furman 

ward all the Boards & Forage you Possibly can immediately 
to the House where it will be received or Directions given where 
to deliver it — 

Colo, Biddle Advises me that the price of Forage in Sussex 
County in this State is for Rye & Com Thirty Dollars Buck- 
wheat & Oats Twenty Dollars, you will buy as cheap as you 
can but you must exert yourself in your power in Collecting as 
an immediate Supply must be sent on to the Army or they 
will suffer — 

I wrote a few days to engage and Send on all the ox Teams 
you could to the army to assist them in Meeting which I beg 
your attention to. No Demands of Officers for keeping Horses 
is to be paid but by Colo. Biddle at Head Quarters. 

Pray Exert yourself that our army may Suffer as Little as 
Possible — I am with Regard 

Your Most Huml. Servt. 

M. Furman. 
Colo. Berry. Ma jr. D, Marsh 
Majr. Williamson & David 
Banks Esqr. 

Pitts Town, 2nd Dec, 1779. 
Sr. 

I am advised by your favour of yesterday of the Position of 
the army and shall do all in my Power to hurry Every thing to 
Mr. Kembles House where I suppose they will receive orders 
what further is to be done, shall give immediate notice to 
every person engagd in any part of Business in Q. M. & Forage 



Gertrude Bayard, daughter of Samuel Bayard and Margaret Van Cort- 
landt, his wife; (2) Elizabeth Tuite, and died Feb. 23, 1789. 

He was educated in England and remained there for some time, en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits. About 1730 he came to America and settled 
near New Brunswick, N. J., but removed to Morristown in 1765. He was 
a member of the Royal Council from 1745 until the Revolution, and its 
President for several years. 

His children were: Samuel; Margaret, married Gen. Thomas Gage; 
Richard, unmarried; Peter, married Gertrude Gouverneur; Stephen, died 
unmarried; William, unmarried; Judith, married Archibald McCall of 
Philadelphia. By his second wife: Robert, died unmarried; Elizabeth, 
died unmarried; Ann, died unmarried. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 45 

Department that every thing may move to that Spot — I feel 
for the Army this Cold storm. 

I am Sr. 

etc. — 
M. Furman. 

Trenton, Decemr. 20th, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

I have now stationed myself for the Winter Season at this 
Post which at present is likely to be reduced very low in every 
necessary for man & beast by ^"General Woodfords Brigade 
which is halted here and wait for further orders. I am no 
other ways concerned for the Consumption of the Forage &ca 
here in supporting the army than for fear of falling short by 
& by when it is wanting to support the Horses employed in 
forwarding Provisions and other necessaries to Head Quarters 
— This very cold season calls for a great Quantity of Wood 
which is exceedingly Difficult to get within any moderate Dis- 
tance of the Town but that can be better got through with 
than the want of Flour which believe they have not drawn any 
of since they arrived here and Rice which has been substituted 
in its place I'm told runs low and therefore it will be lucky 
if they happen to move onto the Southward toward the Provi- 
sions and let what can be collected hereabouts be forwarded to 
Camp where it is much wanted. Indeed Sir I am much sur- 
prised at the present dark prospects of supplies, a small 
Quantity of Bread & Spirits lays over the River at Bristol, a 
Brigade of Teams was sent over yesterday to bring them on 
and cannot repass the River yet though expect if the Frost 
holds they be able to cross to-morrow or next day and will 
then push on to Camp, everything that can be called Bread 
that falls in my power shall go on as fast as possible for I 



soWilliam Woodford, born in Carolina County, Virginia, in 1735, was 
distinguished in the French and Indian War, and in 1775 was commissioned 
Colonel of the Second Regiment, Continental Army. At Great Bridge he 
fought the forces of Lord Dunsmore, Royal Governor, Dec. 9, 1775, and 
gained a victory. He was afterwards Commander of the First Virginia 
Brigade. Severely wounded at Brandy wine, but was in action at Mon- 
mouth and at the siege of Charleston, S. C, 1780. Appointed by the Con- 
tinental Congress, Brigadier General. Was taken prisoner oy the British 
in 1780 and sent to New York, where he died Nov. 13, 1780. 



46 The Letters of Moore Furman 

shall be under the greatest uneasiness till I hear of a supply 
being arrived there — I am calling for a Return agreeable to a 
Resolve of Congress I see published which shall be made as soon 
as in my Power — 

I find there is near Two Hundred Teams employed at this 
Post which I think more than is absolutely necessary for future 
Services and more than can possibly be supported without con- 
siderable Aid from Pennsylvania in Forage which I have no 
encouragement to Expect from the latest advices — you will 
please to give your orders respecting the Teams how many 
must be retained in the Service — I hope by this there is a suf- 
ficient Number of Ox Teams at Camp for that Service or will 
soon be in. if they cannot be got I can make up the Deficiency 
in Horse Teams, I have wrote Colo. Riddle respecting Forage, 
'tis a pity some supplies of Money cannot be had. it wou'd call 
forth some Forage as the Regulation is to take place the first 
of Febr. & will undoubtedly reduce everything considerably 
lower than the present prices — a little comes in from those that 
has Faith and thinks they shall not get so much by and by. 
The Stables at Rurlington are nearly completed some Forage & 
Fire wood is provided there for Maj. Lee's Horse and believe 
they may soon be supported there as well & better than where 
they be. Some Certificates appear for work done for their 
Horse in the Sadlery way and some for Roots mending them 
etc. please to advise me if these are all to be paid by me. Col. 
Rhea informs me Majr. Lee is desirous of having some light 
Two Horse Waggons for his Raggage which he thinks will save 
the Expense of one half the Team Horses necessary for his men. 

I am D. Sir 

With all due Respect 

Your most obt. Servt. 
M. Furman. 
Honble Major Genl. 

N. Greene, Q. M. G. 

Trenton, N. J., December 20th, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

I have removed myself my Family and office to this place for 
the Winter Season — and shall begin on my accounts next week 
if two or three Clerks which I expect don't fail me — We had a 
favourable prospect at this Post of holding out with Long 



The Letters of Moore Furman 47 

Forage and some short until the Winter wore away and we 
could get relief from other States until such a considerable 
"Number of Troops halted here and are consuming us very fast 
indeed but I do not feel so much for the Beasts as for my Fel- 
low Creatures who I hear is at short allowance and cannot see 
any speedy relief for them from this Quarter, where then must 
they look? 

The late Resolve of Congress for a Regulation to take place 
the first of February would bring in some Forage if we had 
but Cash but of that am quite destitute nor do I see any pros- 
pect of an adequate supply and without I am and shall con- 
tinue to be in an uneasy Situation. 

I suppose from what I hear very considerable changes will 
take place in our department and until all these things are 
fixed few or no new regulations will be made which I can assure 
you are exceedingly wanted to enable the staff to do the Busi- 
ness of it with Usefulness to the Public or Credit to themselves. 

This Situation for some Time passed raised and kept up an 
Indifference in me whether I continued in place or not but 
having lately hopes that the Money would be Established and 
Regulations made I am willing and have put myself to con- 
siderable Expense to do the Business of this State as hereto- 
fore if it be agreeable to the Heads of the Departments. 

One thing gives me pain in all my Expectation of better 
Times that our Worthy Q. M. G. has sent in his Resignation. 
if accepted who succeeds him? — I shall in a few Days advise 
you of the forwardness of the Stables and Collection of Forage 
at Burlington, as soon as provision is made for the Horse 
there suppose they will be ordered in. 

I am with sincere Regards 
D. Sir 

Your most obt. 

M. Furman D. Q, M. G. 
Colo. C. Biddle. 

Trenton, December Slst, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

Last week I removed my office and Family to this Town for 
the Winter Season at last — 

I have been under deep concern for some Days at the re- 
peated Advices from Camp of their short allowance of Pro- 



48 The Letters of Moore Furman 

visions not knowing until today where any supplies are to 
come from — Some I hear is in Vessels near Borden Town which 
hope to come at To Morrow and Send on and considerable is 
coming on by land from your Place and to the Southward 
of it- 
There are now several Brigades of Teams here ready to take 
up and carry on any Flour & you may send here in Waggons — 
And several Brigades go from hence tomorrow (I expect) with 
the Virginia Troops that is to be discharged at Philada. unless 
a Sufficient Number of your Waggons come in with Flour to 
take on their Baggage — If the Waggons go from hence with 
them they can be loaded back with Provisions and proceed the 
shortest way with it to Camp unless the River at the Upper 
FeiTys is possible which believe is now the Case. 

I shall take pleasure in rendering you any Services in my 
Power either Public or private being 

Dr. Sr. 

Your Most Obt. Huml. Servt. 

M. Furman D. Q. M. G. 
Colo. John Mitchell, 
D. Q. M. G. 

Trenton, Decembr. 28th, 1779. 
Sir 

I have obtained an order from Colo. Lowrey for what Corn 
you have purchased for him and have it Ground & Bolted so 
that the Meal will do to mix ,with the Wheat Flour at Head 
Quarters to Bake into Bread for the Arm}^ For present Use this 
Cold season having interrupted the Navigation and prevented 
the Flour coming so Quick from the Southward as was ex- 
pected which makes them rather short at present — I have de- 
sired Col. Berry to call on you and get this Business done 
with all possible Expedition and sent on to Morris Town 
either in Casks or Bags — For the Manufacturing you shall be 
paid as much as is generally paid for Wheat. The Off-all 
you will deliver Colo. Berry for Forage. 

If you have any Corn to spare it will oblige the Public par- 
ticularly at this Time and you shall receive as much for it as 
is given by the Purchasers for the Army when the Com is de- 
livered. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 49 

Colo. Berry will treat with you further on this Business — 

I am Sir 

Your most Obt. Servt. 

M. Furman D. Q. M. G. 
Mr. John I. Schanck. 

Trenton, Decern. 31st, 1779. 
Dear Sir: 

I have your Lamentation of Christmas and the 28th Instant 
— notliing more is wanted in your Return of officers than those 
steadily employed in the Services, those occasionally employed 
need not be mentioned — no alteration since the 11th May in 
Salary s. 

I am removed to Trenton with the Office where I expect all 
the Accounts will be settled. 

Mr. Burnside has wrote you before I returned which I con- 
firm in all things. 

I know your Distress for Cash and feel for every one acting 
in the Department with me. ^'Capt. Pike will inform you 
particularly of my Situation respecting Cash and you may 
depend I cannot rest nor will our Creditors let me until I am 
enabled to discharge our Contracts — Shall pay particular at- 
tention to the Money you have paid out belonging to Individ- 
uals to enable you to procure the Certificates for them. 

I rejoice to hear they are tolerably supplied with Forage at 
Camp, some Grain will be going on from this County and Som- 
erset to help out. Respecting Hay you will please to conform 
to the orders given you by the Heads of the Departments as 
near as possible & when you cannot purchase any more at that 
Price you must if wanted at Camp give more or not have it as 
the Limitation don't take place 'till Februry. 

I observe you are named in the new Law to collect in your 
County under the State, when that takes place its hoped the 
State will furnish you with Money — the Law will soon be 
printed — 



siZebulon Pike, son of Zebulon Pike of Woodbridge, N. J., was born in 
New Jersey in 1751, and died in Laurenceburg, Ind., July 27, 1834. 

He was a Cornet in Moylan's Regiment of Continentals in March, 1777, 
and Adjutant Nov. 1, 1777; Lieutenant March 15, 1778; Paymaster, and 
finally Captain in Dec, 25, 1778. 

His son was Zebulon Montgomery Pike. 



60 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Refer you to Capt. Pike for further particulars — and be- 
lieve me to be 

Dr. Sir 

Your most Obt. Servt. 
M. Furman. 



Mr. Daniel Marsh. 



Trenton, Deer. 31, 1779. 



Dr. Sir 

I returned from waiting on Mr. Washington before Mr. 
Burnside's Letter was forwarded which I confirm in all things. 
My difficulties have been coming on for some time, the Debts 
contracted for necessaries called for by the Army increasing 
much faster than the Supplies of Money came in and for some 
Weeks past notwithstanding my most earnest solicitation for 
money have not been able to obtain any — I mean however to 
persevere to the end for no Man has more feelings on these 
occasions — not more for myself than all who have acted with 
me in the Department many of whom are in much worse Situa- 
tion than yourself — 

I mean not Sir to give you any unnecessary troubles about 
your Accounts if they pass 'tis all I wish, in a few Days ex- 
pect assistance to over-look them and they shall be the first 
attended to — 

I would have complied with your wish to have the hundred 
thousand Dollars Settled with ^"Mr. Borden now, but that money 
has been drawing at this Post as it could be got to support the 
Teams carrying on Provisions to Camp, without which it must 
have been stopped and which in a few Days will be expended 
and then know not where I shall get more — 

If I hear of no relief in a few Days will go to Philadelphia & 
lay my distressed Circumstances before the Board of war Treas- 
ury Board or wherever is most likely to give Relief — 

I now again Promise you that as soon as it's in my power 
(which has been the foundation of all my engagements in be- 
half of the Public) that I shall reheve you & every other of my 

E2Seth Borden, the son of Stephen Borden and Mary, daughter of Joseph 
Church of Fall River, was born in 1766, married Nov. 1, 1794, to Ruth, 
daughter of Gideon Brown of Middleton, R. I., and died in 1812. 

He was Assistant Quartermaster, also Captain-Lieutenant of the Militia 
in the Revolution. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 51 

fellow sufferers — The Business is now going into another Chan- 
nel & I fear much we shall be neglected, all I wish is that it 
may be well done and the army well Supported and we may be 
enabled to pay off our Contracts with honour. 

Believe me to be with sincere regards 
Rev. & Dr Sr. 

Your Mo. obt. Servt. 

M. Furman. 
"Rev. James Caldwell. 

Head Quarters, Morris Town. 
Gentlemen : — 

The present Situation of the army with respect to provi- 
sions is the most distressing of any we have experienced since the 
beginning of the war. for a fortnight past the Troops both offi- 
cers and men have been almost perishing for want, they have been 
alternately without Bread or meat, the whole time with a very 
Scanty allowance of either, and frequently Destitute of Both, 
they have borne their Sufferings with a patience that merits 



63James Caldwell, son of John Caldwell of Virginia, from County An- 
trim, Ireland, was born April, 1734, married March 14, 1763, Hannah, 
daughter of John Ogden and Hannah Sayre, his wife, and died Nov. 24, 
1781. 

He was graduated from the College of New Jersey September, 1759, and 
pursued theological studies, being ordained by the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, N. J., Sept. 17, 1760. He was made a Trustee of Princeton 
College in 1769, During the Revolution he so distinguished himself for the 
cause of liberty that Washington sent a complimentary notice of him to 
Congress. He was a fighting Chaplain with Col. Dayton's Regiment from 
Elizabethtown in 1776, and later was Assistant Commissary General, and 
in 1780 was chosen a member of the State Council. His wife was mur- 
dered and his house at Connecticut Farms plundered in 1780, About a 
year later he was himself shot and killed by an American sentinel sup- 
posed at the time to have been bribed by the enemy. His death made a 
great sensation among the patriots by whom his services were greatly 
appreciated, and his murderer suffered capital punishment. 

His children were: Margaret, born 1764, married Isaac Canfield of Mor- 
ristown, N. J.; John Dickinson, born 1765; Hannah, born 1767, married 
James R. Smith of Philadelphia; John Edwards, born 1769, adopted by 
the Marquis de La Fayette, He returned to New York and married 
Mrs. Van Wyck; James B., born 1771; Esther Flynt, born 1772, married 
Rev. Robert Finley of Baskingridge, N, J,; Josiah, born 1774; Elias 
Boudinot, born 1776; Sarah, born 1778, married Rev. John Vredenburg; 
Maria, born 1779, married Robert S. Robertson of New York. 



52 The Letters of Moore Furman 

the approbation and ought excite the Sympathy of their Coun- 
trymen, but they are reduced to an extremity no longer to be 
Supported, their distress has in Some Instances prompted the 
men to commit depredations on the property of the Inhabitants 
which at any other period would be punished with examplary 
Severity but which can now only be lamented as the affect of 
an unfortunate necessity, this evil would increase and soon be- 
come intolerable were not an instant remedy to be applied. 

The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commence- 
ment and uncommon rigor of the Winter which have greatly 
obstructed the Transportation of our Supplies. These causes 
have obliged us to exhaust all the Magazines in the Vicinity 
of the Camp and as they Continue to operate we shall be un- 
able to derive seasonable succours from our most Distant Re- 
sourses. from present appearances it must be four or five weeks 
before we can have the benefit of any Materials Supplies beyond 
the Limits of this State so that unless an extraordinary exer- 
tion be made within the State to supply the wants of the Army, 
during that Space, fatal consequences must unavoidably ensue, 
your own disernment makes it unnecessary to particularize. In- 
fluenced by these considerations my duty to the Public and my 
affection to the Virtuous Inhabitants of this State who next to 
the army would be the most immediate Sufferers have deter- 
mined to Call upon the respective Counties for a Proportion 
of Grain & Cattle to Satisfy the present Exigency, the Quota 
of the County to which you belong is four hundred Bushels of 
Grain & two Hundred Head of Cattle which it is indispensable 
Should be collected and Delivered in two Days after this ap- 
plication—if more can be spared the County will do an es- 
sential Service by furnishing it. 

I have adopted this mode of Requisition from a regard to 
the case & accommodations of the Inhabitants as you are well 
acquainted with the Circumstances of. Individuals you will be 
able to apportion the Quantity to the ability of each and as I 
have no Doubt you will be convinced of the absolute necessity' 
of the measure. I am persuaded your zeal for the Common Cause 
will induce you to exert your utmost influence to procure a 
Chearfull & an immediate Compliance. In doing this tho you 
may not be authorized by the Strict Letter of the Law, b}^ con- 
sulting its Spirit (which aims at the relief of the army) in an 



The Letters of Moore Furman 53 

emergency of so pressing & peculiar a nature you will merit 
the acknowledgement of your fellow Citizens — 

In order that the Inhabitants may receive compensation for 
what they furnish ^*Mr. Flint A. C. Gen. will concert with you 
a proper place for the Delivery's. The owners will bring them 
to this place at the time appointed and a Commissary to re- 
ceive them and give Certificates specifying the Quantity of each 
article & the Tenns of payment, these terms will be (at the 
option of the owners which he shall Declare at the time) 
Either to be paid the market price which if preferred is to be 
specified, or the market price at the time of payment the weight 
of the cattle to be estimated by the Magistrates or any two of 
them in Conjunction with Commissary. 

Wliile I have entire confidence that you will do everything in 
your power to give Efficacy to this requisition, I have too high 
an opinion of the patriotism of the people of this State and 
of their attachment to an army making every Sacrifice in de- 
fence of their Country to entertain the least apprehension of 
their not Seconding your endeavours. But at the same time I 
think it my duty to Inform you that Should we be disappointed 
in our hopes the Extremity of the Case will compel us to have 
resourse to a Difficult mode which will be disagreeable to us on 
every account, on none more than the probability of its having 
an operation less equal & less convenient to the Inhabitants than 
the one now recommended. I entreat you to be assured Gen- 
tlemen that I have given you a Just Representation of our 
Distress, of the Causes — and of the time in all likleyhood must 
elapse before we can obtain relief through the ordinary Chan- 
nels, from tliis you will perceive that Delay or Indecision is in- 
compatible with our Circumstances. 

With the Greatest respect 

I have the honour to be 
Gentlemen 

Your most obt. & 

Huml. Sert. 
Geo. Washington. 

54Royal Flint, son of James Flint of Windham, Mass., and Jemima, 
daughter of Ebenezer Gennings, his wife, was born Jan. 12, 1754, married 
about 1782 Lora, daughter of Col. Jedediah Elderkin and Ann "Wood, his 
wife, and died in the South. 

Captain Royal Flint was Paymaster of Ward's Connecticut State Regi- 



64 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Trenton, Janr. 6th, 1780. 
Dear Sir 

This moment got the Inclosed Law from the press And this 
moment Mr. Nugent Express Rider come In and proceeds as 
soon as refreshed to Camp. 

Old things being done away and all things becoming New we 
all stand looking at one another and waiting for New Institu- 
tions. 

The Greatest Difficulty I now see before me will arise from 
the want of money to pay off the Debts of the Departmt. in 
this State which is very Considerable, my Assistants are call- 
ing loud from every post and I have it not in my power to 
help them. But a very few thousand Dollars is now in my 
power and those am obliged to keep to Supply the Teams car- 
rying on Provisions to Camp — In a few days shall be quite out 
and know not then what method to take to keep them going, 
perhaps necessity may point it out. 

I have wrote to every post and desired the Supresser may 
be call'd in and discharged. All the Artificers at this Post was 
Discharged 31st. past their time being out but was obliged to 
take in two or three again to do the necessary business. I am 
Daily call'd on for — The Run on the Forage here for some 
time past has reduced it much and it will be necessary to know 
in time from whom Supplies is to come & who is cloathed with 
power to Call for it to Supply the Several Posts in this State. 
Col. Biddle will Excuse my not writing now the Express 
waiting M. Furman. 

Honble Major Genl. Greene. 
Per Nugent 

To "Charles Petit Esquire A. Q. M. Genl. 

Trenton, January 26th, 1780. 
Dear Sir 

Having look'd forward to the breaking up of the Frost with 

ment, June 10, 1776, to May, 1777. He was appointed Assistant Commis- 
sary of Purchases May 27, 1778, resigning February, 1780. He was with 
Washington at Valley Forge during the entire winter and was his per- 
sonal friend. After the war he was a merchant at West Point, but lost 
his fortune through endorsing too heavily, and went South. 

His children were: A son, died young; Sophia, born Nov. 3, 1783, and 
married Erastus Clark. 

65Charles Pettit, son of Andrew and Dinah Pettit, was born near Am- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 55 

a desire to remove every Difficulty as far as in my Power that 
may arise from that Quarter, your requisition for Waggons has 
been in part Complied with before made by sending on all the 
Waggons to Philadelphia I could spare from the Service re- 
quired in this State ever Since the Continental Bridge was 
thrown over the Delaware. I will now double my Force in that 
Service, and endeavour to make up the Defficiency in this Side 
the Delaware by Chance Teams from Stage to Stage, by which 
means at this Leisure among the Farmers, get considerable done 
to advantage as in those Short Stages where they can be at 
home almost every night, they find themselves & Horses every- 
thing but those teams will not go far from home on the Same 
terms. The price given by the barrel to those Teams is half a 
Dollar per barrl. per mile, untill our late distress at Camp when 
I was obliged to allow 5 per cent, but all these things I suppose 
will be altered to keep pace with the Regulation if it takes 
place which God grant for as things are now Circumstanced no 
man can do business for the Public with credit to himself or 
advantage to the Public. I think you may depend upon me for 
Sending on as many teams with what has gone within a few 
days as will bring a Thousand Barrels from Philadelphia in 
one week from this day. 

Respecting a Division of the 10,000 Dollars, the whole will 
fall so short of the Expenses of Transportation for one Week 
in this State, and therefore know of no Division of it more Just 
than to divide it by the distance each have to Cart the Pro- 
vision. 



well, Hunterdon County, N. J. In 1763 he married Sarah, daughter of 
Andrew Reed and Theodosia Bowes, his wife, and died Sept. 4, 1806. 

Mr. Pettit studied law and filled many important positions. He was 
Surrogate in 1767, and Secretary of the Province of New Jersey under 
Governor Franklin, and continued under Governor Livingston until ap- 
pointed Assistant Quartermaster General by Gen. Greene. He had also 
served as a Provincial Councillor in 1773. After the Revolution he be- 
came a successful merchant in Philadelphia, and was a member of the 
Legislature, 1783-1784, and a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785- 
1787. He was the author of the Funding System, and an advocate of the 
adoption of the Constitution at the Convention at Harrisburg. He was a 
Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, and a member of the American 
Philosophical Society. 

His daughter, Elizabeth, married Jared Ingersol. He had also a son 
Charles. 



56 The Letters of Moore Furman 

In old Testament times that Government which required their 
subjects to make Brick without Straw was thought to be — How 
to get on without money in your department I am at a loss, 
though my Supplies has been totally Stopt for Some time, 
hitherto I have got on tolerably well, the Transportation of 
the Army has been as well performed as the Season admitted 
& believe no complaint has been made on that Score, and I have 
collected tolerable Supplies in the Forage Department, for all 
which the Public is many Months & Millions of Dollars in 
arrears to the Citizens of this State, who now begin to groan 
aloud under the Burdens and I am exceedingly alarm'd now 
and under great anxiety least it will not remain long in my 
Power, to perform the Task set me under my present Circum- 
stances & you will see by the enclos'd Letter from Elizh. Town 
that my trouble is not without foundation. I therefore beg you 
will immediately lay this particular matter before the Treasury 
Board & Congress and do assure you I hourly expect the same 
intelligence from Several other Posts of Consequence in this 
State. I therefore pray them to enable me to prevent the bad 
effects which every one must naturally Suppose will flow from 
a Stoppage of the necessary Supplies call'd for. 

I was yesterday at Borden Town and am inform'd there is 
now about 50,000 Dollars in the Continental Loan there. I 
pray a Warrant for what money comes into that Office, it is 
Certainly reasonable that this State should reap the benefit of 
what Money they put in the Loan. I can now pay away Con- 
siderable in L. Office Certificates and hope you may obtain 
Liberty to draw what I can Pass for public debts, all the Hay 
& Grain purchas'd for some time is on Credit, a very heavy 
Tax v.ill very soon call on the Inhabitants of this State, they 
have sold their Grain & depend on the IMoney for paying it. 

I send the bearer who will wait your answer on all these 
things which hope will be favourable. 
I am Dr. Sir 

Yr. most affecte. & obt. Servant. 

M. Furman. 

Trenton, Febry. 2d, 1780. 
Gentlemen 

In Consequence of a very pressing Call for money from 
Major Williamson for the particular purpose of paying for & 



The Letters of Moore Furman 57 

purchasing Wood for the use of the Guards on the Line this 
Cold Season, as well as many other pressing Calls on other ac- 
casions I have Solicited in the most earnest manner for money 
for Those purposes, and have obtained an order for a small 
Sum which I have encouragement shall have received in a few 
days, and being Informed you are to meet in a few Days on this 
Business in a few days, thought it proper to inform you that I 
have no Doubts of Forwarding Fifteen or Twenty Thousand 
Dollars shortly to pay as far as it will go in that article. 

Mr. Williamson being unfortunately taken Prisoner, must 
employ some other Person to Officiate in this Particular matter 
as soon as money Comes to hand, and Shall be glad of your 
advice Respecting the Distribution of tliis Money which I wish 
to be done in the most advantageous & equal Manner — I shall 
not Cease my application for money to pay all other Demands 
in the State untill I obtain a sufficiency 
I am Gentlemen 

Your most Huml. Sert. 

Moore Furman D. Q. M. G. 
The Worshipfal 

Magistrates of Essex. 

Trenton, Feby. 9th, 1780. 
Mr. Saml. Gary, 

You are to proceed without Delay to Morris Town and there 
Deliver the Pipe and Wine to the order of his Excellency Genl. 
Washington at Head Quarters, be particularly Careful that no 
person have an opportunity of getting to it on the road — Re- 
turn by way of Pitts Town & bring down Some Quarter Master 
Stores that will be Delivered to you there. 

Moore Furman D. Q. M. G. 

Trenton, March 3d, 1780. 
Sir — 

I communicated your Letter and application to Colo. Cox 
respecting your Ferry — The Letter wrote to him at Philada. he 
never received nor heard of before or would certainly have an- 
swered it — I have made some Enquiry into the State of the 
Case Respecting the Ferry and cannot find any good Founda- 
tion for the Charge of Rent up to this time, shall however be 
glad to see you when you come to Town that we may have some 



58 The Letters of Moore Furman 

further Conversation on the Subject 
I enclose the Papers left with me 

I am Sr. 

Yr. H'ble Servant 

M. Furman. 
^^Maj or Wm. Trent 

To Mr. Wilham Williamson at Eliz. Town 

Trenton, March 8th, 1780. 
Sir 

I received a letter from the Quarter Master General in an- 
swer to mine by you in which he informs me you did not call on 
him but that whenever any thing was in his power towards 
effecting an exchange for your Brother his endeavours Should 
not be wanting — and have heard lately that a General exchange 
is like to take place very soon when all will be set free, which I 
shall be very glad to see. 

As your Brother is absent I recommend to Major Marsh to 
Certify the debts due in his district, you will therefore recom- 
mend the people to call on him as Soon as Possible as I hope 
when I can ascertain the Debts due in this State Congress will 
furnish money to pay them. I never was so unhappy about any 
Business I ever transacted since I have done Business (which 
is more than thirty years) as the not receiving money to pay 
up those who have so readily supplied the public on Credit 
and shall not turn my back on them untill they are paid if my 
power to get the money 

I am Sir 

Your Huml. Sert. 

Moore Furman D. Q. M. Genl. 

P. S. my Compliments to Mrs. WmSon and Sincerely wish 
she may soon see the Major. 

seWilliam Trent, son of Chief Justice William Trent and Mary, daugh- 
ter of Governor William Coddington of Rhode Island, married Sarah 
Wilkins. 

He was Captain in the French and Indian War and promoted to the 
position of Major. In 1768 he was appointed Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas. Scarcely was there a treaty formed or an Assembly held 
at which he was not present as a prominent and important participant. He 
owned much property in Trenton, which was named for his family, but 
moved from there to Philadelphia in 1784. 

His children were: William; Ann, born 1756, married Mr. Raymond; 



The Letters of Moore Furman 59 

Trenton, March 29th, 1780. 
Dr. Sir 

I have not troubled you with my afflictions for Some time 
and wish there was no further Occasion for it. 

My difficulties increase and will soon I fear be insurmount- 
able, my Circumstances therefore like the Irish Resolves needs 
no preamble. Our Army some days past — Some days have half 
allowance and but few days the whole Ration. Three or four 
hundred Barrels of Flour is gone from this Post this week & 
about one Hundred Barrels is now here which shall also move 
on as soon as in my power and a little is Collecting in this 
state and dropping slowly into Camp but all does no more then 
keep them alive — I hope and expect Provisions sufficient will 
be produced but how it will be Transported to them I know 
not, for more than the half the Teams in the service has given 
me notice that they are under a necessity of quitting it. The 
wages being so very low it will not support them, for a four horse 
team and driver Ten Pounds per Day and that of two horses 
Seven Pounds of the former will buy 3/4 in hard money, the 
latter 2/6 can any reasonable man expect or any honest man 
desire they will Continue in the service on such Terms, besides 
the Transportation of the Commissary Stores and Forage 
through this State to Camp a Quantity of Stores for the 
Pennsa. Troops is Coming on which will require a Considerable 
number of Waggons, how are they to be got without Money 
and almost without prices. 

To be plain and Conclude unless money is supplied to pay for 
Carting, and I am allowed to pay a reasonable price for it I 
now desire you to take notice that I will not hold myself ac- 
countable for the consequence after this present Month of 
March runs out and this I beg you will not fail to Communi- 
cate ImTnediately to those who Can grant relief in the Premises. 

I am Dr. Sir 
Your most obt. Sert. 
M. Furman. 
Charles Pettit Esq. A. Q. G. 



Martha, born 1759; Mary, born 1762, married Nathan Beakes; Sarah, 
born 1768; John, born 1768, married Mary Louisa, daughter of Capt. Isaac 
Duhone of South Carolina. 



60 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Trenton 4th April 1780. 
Mr. Thos. Durie 
Dear Sir: 

Yours of the Ti past and Janr. 29th wrote you by express 
Messenger Forst That of yesterday was just handed me. 

1 have wrote Coh Berry to call immediately on the Con- 
tractor of Somerset County to deposit without delay Forty 
Busls. of Grain with the Forage Master at Middle Brook the 
letter will be delivered him tomoiTOw Evening. You will also 
please to give the Col. a line on the Subject will enable him to 
Call more forceably on the State Contractor — have also wrote 
Robert Stockton Esqr. A. Q. M. at Pr. Town for the same pur- 
pose and I will be provided here. 

I am doing everything in my power to keep you Suppli'd 
with Forage and it has been hitherto heavily moving on though 
too slow for the Consumption there, in a few days it will move 
slower and in a few days more not move at all for the Teams 
in the Continental Service are now about to leave it. the Wages 
is so low and they do not even get that and therefore they will 
not Continue before this month end. I don't expect a Team at 
Command. I have for Several Weeks past been giving notice of 
these things and it has been handed into Congress but they 
give no answer & I am as yet totally Ignorant how the busi- 
ness is to be done after I am stopped, all that in my power shall 
be done and while I have a Team at Command they shall be 
employed Carrying on something to Head Quarters for Man or 
for Beast. Two Brigades, Hunts & Thomsons is now Carry- 
ing on Forage from Amwell. Thomson was with me this day. 
his Brigade will quit after a trip or two more unless the pay 
is raised and the money paid. Hunt will also quit soon ; And 
all the Teams in the Commissary Service will quit this month, 
what is the Army to do unless some mode immediately Starts 
up to perform the transportation — You desire to know how 
soon I can comply with his Excellency's request. Now at this 
place and Prince Town and believe in three days at Middle 
Brook if the Contractor in Somerset don't go quick step about 
it. I have desired Col. BeiTy to take a Wagon Load out of 
Thomson's Brigade and send down there which I think will be 
at Middle Brook Friday or Saturday. 

The Forage I am now forwarding is my own purchasing last 



The Letters of Moore Furman 61 

Winter, if you call on the Superintendent its probable he can 
help you to some. I wish to send in all I bought before the 
Teams in the Contl. Service quit. 

Yr— 

M. Furman. 
''Mr. Thos. Durie, D. Q. M. G. 

A. C. G. F. 
Per Express Dun. 

April 8th 1780. 
Colo. John Mitchell, 
Sr. 

The ^^Baron Dekalb called on me this morning for a Set of 
Horses to take on his Baggage Wagon to Philada. I was 
obliged to furnish him with a Set I was adding to the four you 
sent me to make up a Continental Brigade. And as I am told the 
Genl. will stay some weeks in Philada. Suppose it will be con- 
venient to Return those Horses and therefore have sent the 
Driver of them down to bring them back. You will please to 
Direct that they are delivered to him and give orders for his 
Return here — 

Yr. Hbl. Servt. 

Moore Furman 

P. S. Please to Order the Teamster Provisions & Forage 
to bring him back. 

April 8, 1780. 
Ma jr. Samuel Flaningan: 
Sr: 

Your last to hand is from Burlington of the 5th past. Since 



57Thomas Durie of Essex County, New Jersey, was Assistant Commissary 
General of Forage in the Revolution. 

ssjohann De Kalb was born at Hiittendorf, Bavaria, July 29, 1721. He 
entered the French Army in 1743, serving through the seven years' war, 
and attained the rank of Major General. In 1768, on a visit to America, 
as a secret agent, he made so many warm friends that on the opening of the 
Revolution he returned and offered his services to the Continental Congress. 
In 1777 he was appointed Major General, and was with Washington at 
Valley Forge, and took part in the subsequent operations in New Jersey 
and with Gates near Camden, S. C, where he led his troops to meet Corn- 
wallis, and in a desperate charge was wounded eleven times and died 
August 19, 1780. He was one of the bravest foreigners who came to 
espouse the Patriots' Cause. 



62 The Letters of Moore Furman 

10th I wrote you to desire that some Forage might be sent 
there but have not heard of any being arrived, and the Horse 
posted there being under marching orders its probable some 
may be call'd for. if it is please to Supply it if you can. 

I beg you will make immediate return of what Forage you 
have on hand and Contracted for in your district and forward 
it to this Post as fast as Possible. If you have any difficulty 
in procuring Teams or Vessels for Transportation please to let 
me know immediately and I will assist in that Business — The 
demands in your district for all debts due from the Public in 
the Q. M. or Forage department must be made and Certified 
in all this Month or they will stand unsettled and unpaid untill 
all those Certified be first discharged, please to Advertise the 
People of that Circumstance which will Undoubtedly induce 
them to come in — Pray make immediately Return of the For- 
age you have on hand, and whether you want any Assistance 
to get along and immediately after this month is run out 
bring in and settle all your accounts. 
Via Burlington. 

M. Furman. 

Trenton 28th April, 1780. 
To ^^Colo. David Rhea 
Dr. Sir: 

There is a quantity between 30 & 40 bbs. Salt Provisions at 
Spotswood which is much wanted at Camp. Mr. Hendricks 
will send four Two Horse Teams to that Service which will not 
be sufficient to take the whole on & therefore if you propose 
to put your Teams into the Service you will Let them Joyn 
Mr. Hendricks four teams and take the whole along. 

Mr. Hendricks or Cox will conduct them to Camp & back to 
this place where I will joyn them to some Brigade. 

I am your Huml. Servant 

M. Furman. 



59David Rhea, son of David Rhea and Ann, his wife, of Freehold, Mon- 
mouth County, N. J., was baptized Sept. 27, 1740, and died June 14, 1821, 
unmarried. 

He was Major of the Second Battalion of the Continental Army and 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Quartermaster stationed at AUentown in 1779-1780, 
and Sheriff of Monmouth County, 1785. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 63 

May 9—1780. 
Q. M. Genl. 
Sir 

Agreeable to your desire I am to mention the Terms upon 
which I am willing to remain in the Service as D. Q. M. Genl. 
of this State. 

The Service of the appointment has hitherto required Con- 
stant attendance since I have been in it and therefore prevented 
my being able to do the least Business for myself of any kind 
whatever and do not expect it will require less attention here- 
after especially while the Main Army remains in or near this 
State. Therefore cannot think of a less Salary than One hun- 
dred pounds in Specie or an Equivalent in Contl. Money per 
month, Forage for Two Horses & Traveling Expenses with the 
Privilege of Appointing all the Subordinate Officers in the 
State agreeable to the plan which department may be settled 
on. I wish however to be understood that if the Arrangement 
of the Staff is not made so that I shall be of Opinion that I can 
Execute the Business to the Satisfaction of the Army and the 
Public in General and with Reputation to myself, I do not hold 
my self bound to Act any longer then is Sufficient to Settle up 
my Accounts and it be Convenient to you to appoint to Succeed 
me 

I am Sr. 

Moore Furman. 
The Honble Majr. Genl. N. Greene 
Q. M. G. 

To Colo. John Mitchell D. Q. M. Philadelphia 

Trenton May 13th, 1780. 
Dear Sir: 

I am favoured with yours of the 9th Inst, and am sorry its 
not Convenient for Creamer to return with the Teams that I 
might make up the Brigade, must therefore try for another. 
Shall forward the Q. M. Stores you sent up as fast as possible 
the greater part of them is gone on already and am of opinion 
I can forward the remainder without much loss of time if you 
send them up Water. As it will be saving much trouble to you 
& Expenses to the Public, I will Venture to encourage you 
to send them this way and will do my best to forward them in 
time. 



64 The Letters of Moore Furman 

There are many poor soldiers & released prisoners travelling 
this road to Philadelphia & the Southward unable to walk and 
it will be a great relief to them to have the Liberty of going 
from this place by Water which may be done without any ad- 
ditional Expense if the Continental Vessels were ordered up 
here with their lading instead of discharging it at Philadelphia 
& putting it on Board private Property Vessels. 

I am in haste 
Dr. Sir 

Yr. most obed. Servant 
Moore Furman. 

Trenton, May 15, 1781. 
**Honble. Josiah Hornblower: 
speaker of the Assembly &c. 
Sir: 

Having acted as D. Q. M, and Forage Master of this State 
(by appointment of the Q. M. G. of the Armies of the U. 
States) from the Second of March 1778 to the 19 Sept. 1780, 
and there being considerable Supplies Collected and Services 
done by the Inhabitants thereof for the use of said Army dur- 
ing said time for which Money has not been furnished for Pay- 
ment, I have given Const. Attendance at my Office in this Town 
with two or three clerks ever since 17th September last in 

60Josiah Hornblower, son of Joseph Hornblower and Rebecca, his wife, 
born in England in Staffordshire, Feb. 23, 1729, married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Col. William Kingsland and Margaret Coerten, his wife, and died 
at Newark, N. J., Jan. 21, 1809. He emigrated to the United States, 
1751, and settled in Belleville, N. J. He had been educated as a civil 
engineer and built the first steam engine in America. He took an active 
part in the French and Indian War and was Captain of a local company. 
In the Revolution he was so energetic in planning and accomplishing im- 
portant feats for the patriots that the enemy tried in every way to kidnap 
him. He was elected to the Assembly of New Jersey in 1779 and in the 
next year made Speaker. He was a member of the Council of 1781-1784 
and a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-86. He was Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas, 1790. 

His children were: Joseph; Margaretta, married James H. Kip; Wil- 
liam, died young; James, married Hannah Crane; Rebecca, died young; 
Elizabeth, died young; William, died without issue; Josiah, married 
Annetje Merselis; Jonathan, died young; Henry Coerten; Christiana, died 
without issue; Joseph Coerten, married (1) Mary, daughter of Dr. Wm. 
Burnett, Jr.; (2) Mary Ann, daughter of William Kinney. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 65 

order to settle and adjust the demands for said Services & 
Supplies, but am obliged now for the Support of my Family to 
remove to my Farm at Pitts-Town where being willing to con- 
tinue my Services for the Public good and ease and Conveni- 
ence of my Fellow Citizens I shall attend to adjust and Settle 
such demands as may hereafter be made untill they are all 
come in, Or untill some other mode of Settlement be adopted. 

As I Suppose every Information respecting Public affairs 
that may be usefull to the Honourable Legislature of this State 
in their Deliberation upon them will be Acceptable, I take this 
early opportunity of inclosing a^bstract of the amount of the 
Certificates Issued by me & my Assistants for Debts due from 
the Public to the first day of this Instant so far as they are 
come to my hands, which beg the favour may be Communicated 
to the Honourable House — And I most sincerely wish that 
Some expedient may be fallen on to discharge said Debt as it 
will greatly Contribute to the Convenience and Advantage of 
the Inhabitants of the State and most certainly encourage 
them again to take up and bear the Burdens of the present 
hour with more cheerfulness and alacrity. 

I am with great Respect Sr. &., 

Moore Furman. 

Trenton, Feb. 14, 1792. 
*^Honble. Jona. Dayton : 
Sir 

I should not have delayed answering your letter of the 8th 
of November last had not Mr. Banks been with you since that 
time and put his business as I thought in the train he wished. 



siJonalhan Dayton, son of Gen. Elias Dayton, was born Oct. 16, 1760, 
and died Oct. 9, 1824. 

He was a graduate of the College of New Jersey. In 1776 he entered 
the Army, was appointed Paymaster in 1778, and in 1779 served with 
Gen. Sullivan against the Six Nations. In 1780 he was appointed Captain 
in his father's regiment. He was Speaker of the New Jersey Legislature 
in 1790, and in 1787 a delegate to the Convention for Forming a Federal 
Constitution. In 1791 he was sent to Congress, and from 1795 to 1799 
served as Speaker. From 1799 to 1805 he acted as United States Senator. 
He was appointed Brigadier General. The opening up of the West ap- 
pealed to him, and he became largely interested in Western land. Dayton, 
Ohio, is named for him. He was an intimate friend of Burr, and was 
implicated in the charge of treason, but was acquitted. 



66 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Mr, Banks has often spoke to me about a Certificate but not 
being able to give such a one (with propriety) as I thought 
would be usefull to him it has been delayed. 

I wished to see you when you passed through this place 
and looked out for the Stage you were in but missed it. 

In order to give you the clearest knowledge I can of the 
business, I now enclose abstract of his account as it stands in 
the book the accounts of disbursements there credited is in the 
Auditor's Office, his pay as Assistant Q. Master is charged in 
them monthly and it appears at the Close of the accounts that 
he was fully supplied with money. When the Commissioner 
for adjusting and Certifying these accots, was in Jersey he 
refused every application where it appeared there were a set- 
tlement and full payment of an account & therefore this was 
not taken up the 3m & 20 days service was after the Settle- 
ment for that I believe Mr, Banks is satisfied, but the extra 
charge of 1200 Dollars has never been satisfied nor had I ever 
liberty from the Q, M, General to allow such charged where the 
Assistant received Pay and subsistance unless they were ordered 
on some very particular and expensive service out of the Com- 
mon line of their duty. I however entered it as a charge made 
by Mr. Banks that he might have an opportunity of making 
what use he thought proper of it in a future day. 

I am very willing to serve Mr. Banks as far as I can in this 
business by giving any further information in my power. 

Respecting Mr. Bank's services under Mr. Caldwell I have 
not the least knowledge, and therefore cannot be of any Ser- 
vice to him in that part of the business. 

I am with due respect, 

Sr. Yr. most obt. Servant. 

M, F. 



The greater part of the remaining letters were written by 
Moore Furman to his brother-in-law, William Edgar, who was 
bom in Belfast, Ireland, 1736, of Scottish parentage. His 
parents, as far as it is possible to trace, left their home in Scot- 
land with many others on account of the religious persecutions 
there. The date on which he arrived in this country is not def- 
initely knowji, but it was probably shortly after the Fall of 
Quebec, and the loss of Canada by France to England, 1760; 
and before the Siege of Detroit by Pontiac. Letters now in 



The Letters of Moore Furman 67 

possession of one of his heirs show that he suffered with others 
in that siege, and was intimate with the officers of the British 
Army in Canada during those thrilhrig times. He was con- 
nected with the British Army as Commissary from 1763 to as 
late as 1770, and on behalf of the Government dealt and nego- 
tiated with the Indian tribes in the neighborhood of Detroit 
and Niagara. During this period he was also in business by 
himself, and later in partnership under the firm name of Rankin 
and Edgar, dealing extensively in furs with the Indians and 
shipping them for sale to England. At a later period and 
until 1783 or 1784, he removed to Montreal and early in 1784 
came to New York. He was naturalized in that year a citizen 
of the United States. He first mamed Isabella (1784?), 
daughter of Townsend White, by whom he had five children: 
William, Maria, Louisa, JuHet and Annabella. In 1793 his 
first wife died, and about a year later he married Anne Van 
Horn, daughter of David Van Horn, by whom he had no issue. 
William Edgar became a great merchant in his day, and was 
heavily interested in trade with China, and owned several ships 
that plied between New York and the East. His first resi- 
dence was No. 7 Wall Street, whence he removed to Green- 
wich Street near the Battery on the West Side. His store and 
office on Washington Street was in the rear of his house. He 
was the Treasurer of the Mutual, the first insurance company 
of New York, started in 1793 ; a Director of the Bank of New 
York, and of the Manhattan Compan}^, and was one of the 
Founders and also the Vice-President of the St. Patrick's So- 
ciety and a share holder in the famous old Tontine coffee house. 
His family at this period intermarried with the Le Roys, New- 
bolds, McEvers, Bayards and Howlands, and were prominent 
in the social, political and financial life of the city. He died 
on August 27th, 1823, at the age of eighty-seven. 

Trenton March 16th 1785. 
My dear friend. 

Would you think it, that notwithstanding all I can say 
either by way of coaxing or blustering away, like anything, 
I cannot get your sister to take hold of a pen indeed I should 
exert myself a little more on the Occasion, but must spare her 
this once on account of her having taken Cold which much 



68 The Letters of Moore Furman 

affects her Eyes, and therefore as ^^Mr. Beakes (who is now one 
of our House here) is going to your City I have agreed for this 
once to resume my old office and write a hne for her, in hopes 
that we may have the pleasure of hearing from you by Mr. 
Beakes return. Well then, now I am to tell you of our having 
had a great fright by our Carriage House and everything in it 
being consumed by Fire, so that we are now reduced to Punches 
Coach, we however, are thankfull that it is no worse, and com- 
fort ourselves with thinking what we have escaped. 

We thank you for your kind invitation of Maria, we have 
good schools here now and keep her at them, next winter if we 
all live, and do well it may be a more proper time and then 
may perhaps be thankfull to you for such a favour. 

Our children are all healthy and keep close at school. Sally 
and Maria really intend paying her sisters and other Friends a 
visit at New York some time in the Spring, but wishes to see 
you here first. 

Mr. Beakes just come in and waiting, all send love to all. 
I am with best respects to your 
Mr. Edgar Dear Madam 

Your most obedient 

Mr. Furman. 

Trenton, May 6th 1786. 
Dear Sir, 

We rejoice much to hear that you have a son, and that he 
and liis Mother are out of danger. I observe what you say 
respecting the Sum chargeable to ®^Mr. Douglas, he has also 
given me the same advise. 

Our Strawberry vines looks well and expect will produce 



62Nathan Beakes, son of Morgan Beakes, married Mary, daughter of 
William Trent. 

Mr. Beakes was a merchant of Trenton, N. J. On June 15, 1756, he 
was appointed Commissioner for relief of prisoners confined for debt. 

His -children were: Morgan, married Hannah Miller; Lydia, married 
Gen. Zachariah Rossell. 

esProbably George Douglas, son of Joseph Douglas and Elizabeth, 
daughter of Joseph Borden, married Athalanah . 

He was a merchant, residing at Point Breeze, Bordentown, N. J., but 
in 1792 assigned to Abraham Hunt. 

Another member of his family was Alexander Douglas, who was prom- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 69 

plentifully, and as we hope Mrs. E. will soon be in health to 
come abroad, we shall advise you when they are fit for use and 
shall expect to see you both here to partake of them. 

I am glad to hear of Addy's Health and that he is kept 
busy, that being the only way to make him a Man of business. 

Mrs. F. (urman) sends much love to Mrs. E. (dgar) and we 
wish her and Mrs. C. (onstable) much happiness in their sons, 
they seem to jog on cleverly together. 

I am dear Sir Yours Sincerely 

M. Furman. 

Trenton January 29th 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

I received your favour of the 18th November the day before 
yesterday, which has been long detained in the Post Office at 
New York, by order of the Post Master General Soon after 
Mrs. Furman returned I wrote to thank you for your great care 
of her and giving her a passport home, she fared so well when 
there that she threatens me to return again if I speak but a 
crooked Word, and I have no way of taking her down but to 
assure her I shall look out for another next time she leaves me 
so long. 

In turn I must inquire after your Lady and family and sin- 
cerely hope they enjoy perfect health and happiness, If your 
daughter and son has health that's all they can want but what 
you can easily supply them with, in a few years more wants 
will call on you. Ours begin to raise our anxiety on many 
accounts, and all our care now is to fit them to come into the 
world by the time we must go out. 

All is well with me and joyn in wishing all health and happi- 
ness to your household. 

I am with great regards Dear sir 

Your most obt. Servant 

M. Furman. 

Trenton April 19 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

I have now to thank you for many things ; The Maps, your 
kindness to my son etc. 



inent in the Revolution and at whose house Washington held a council of 
war, Jan. 3, 1777. This house is still standing in Trenton, N. J. He was 
also a merchant in Trenton after the war. 



70 The Letters of Moore Furman 

This will be handed you by Addy who has made a long visit, 
but his Master intimated that business was slack at this time 
& he need not hurry 

I find to my great concern that ^Mr. Constable is not per- 
fectly satisfied with him, — with his Abilities and inclination or 
attention to the Mercantile business, as far as I could I con- 
sulted his turn, but rather gave into his own, and that was his 
choice. I take the liberty of mentioning this matter to you 
as Mr. C. informed me you would give me your opinion of the 
matter which, if agreeable to you, I shall thank you for. It 
is a very Critical moment for Addy to change place or busi- 
ness, but if it is necessary it must be done at all risques, and 
I must either fix him in another place or endeavor to find busi- 
ness at home for him, which at present I have not. 

I do not doubt Mr. C.s wishes to serve him or me, but if it 
is inconvenient to him I do not desire it, and therefore have 
beged him to treat the matter with freedom & Friendship and 
without reserve that knowing the whole we may accommodate 
all as well as possible. 

Our children are preparing a Horse for Yours to take the 
Air on this Summer, which will be forwarded the first Oppor- 
tunity. 

Sally Joyns in much love to her Sister and all. 
I am with great regard 
Dr. Sir 

Yr. most Obt Servt, 

M. Furman. 
Mr. W. Edgar 



64William Constable, the son of John Constable, M.D., from Dublin, 
Ireland, and Jane Kerin, his wife, was born in Dublin Jan. 1, 1753, mar- 
ried Ann, daughter of Townsend White and Ann Renaudet, his wife, and 
died in New York May 22, 1803. 

Mr. Constable was graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and resided 
before coming to America on a large estate in Ireland, which he had in- 
herited. At the breaking out of the Revolution he sided with the patriots 
and took an active part. He was appointed an aide-de-camp to General 
Lafayette. After the war he was one of New York's great merchants and 
carried on a trade with India and China. He built the finest ship yet built 
in this country, which he called the America, in 1788. He was associated 
with Alexander McComb and Daniel McCormick in the purchase of a vast 
area in the State of New York of about one-tenth of the State, known as 
the McComb Purchase. He purchased the confiscated estate of Philipse 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 71 

Trenton May 11th 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favor of the 5th Instant and am much obliged 
to you and Mrs. Edgar for your kind invitation to New York. 
I congratulate you on the arrival of the Empress, and hope she 
has made an East India Voyage. 

I am busied about many things at present which totally pre- 
vent my leaving home ; and Sally gives for reason that she can't 
go that she is not well, which I tell her is one of the strongest 
Arguments for her going. Wether I can prevail on her to go 
is yet uncertain, and will persevere until I prevail if possible. 
No doubt you suppose me to be very anxious about my Boy, 
and if not disagreeable, I wish to have your Sentiments of him. 
If it is that there is no prospect of his making a Merchant I 
would turn my attention to him in some other way, at present 
I have so little business that I cannot employ him fully at home 
but if he does return must cut out something for him to do, or 
find another place for him, by what Mr. C. has wrote me, he is 
not likely to be very useful to him during his Apprenticeship, 
nor to himself afterwards, in that line of business, and if he has 
formed that opinion there will be little use in leaving him there. 

I mentioned to Mr. Constable that if the Owners of the Em- 
press wished to establish an East India House in Jersey, I pro- 
pose myself as a candidate for the Agency, If not would be 
glad to know how the sales of Tea etc. is fixed so that I could 
have a Lott at the lowest rate it is sold at. To this I have had 
no answer; I suppose matters are not yet arranged. 

Mrs. Edgar knows the two or three articles Mrs. Furman 
wishes to have out of the Empress, and if such are come that 
will suit will lay them by for her. 

All join in love to you all and I am Sir 

Your obhged humble servant 

M. Furman. 
P. S. 

The bearer Mr. Tomkins my neighbor will return again in a 
few days. 



Manor in 1786, and resided there until 1796, when he bought a country 
seat at Bloomingdale, New York, His city residence was at the corner of 
Wall and Williams Streets. 

His children were: Anna Maria, married Hezekiah Beers Pierrepont; 
Eweretta, married James McVickar; William, married Eliza McVickar; 



72 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Trenton 5th October 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

I hope you and my Rib got safe to New York and found 
everybody well, I am doing the best I can without her but 
really time seems to hang a little heavy especially after the 
children is gone to rest. 

I have looked over our ^^Academy Fund and find Six Shares 
yet to fill up, and now send three notes signed and witnessed 
for the Shares, one of which is filled up for yourself, the other 
two not filled up which hope it will be agreeable for Mr. Car- 
mack and ^^Mr. McComb to take, if so you will please to fill 
them up. When the other three Shares is filled up the Fund 
will yield three hundred pounds per annum exclusive of the 
Tuition money from those who are not interested in it, which 
will enable the Trustees to procure four Teachers who can do 
Justice to sixty Scholars and upwards. And we hope and ex- 
pect that the whole Fund will in time be given up for the edu- 



John, married (1) Susan Livingston, (2) Alida Kane; Robert, unmarried; 
Julia, unmarried; Harriet, married James Duane; Emily, married Samuel 
Moore, M.D.; Matilda, married Edward McVickar. 

65"The Trenton School Company" originated in a meeting of citizens, held 
Feb. 10, 1781, and subsequently a schoolhouse was built on Fourth Street. 

In 1800 the girls' department removed to a schoolhouse belonging to the 
Presbyterian Church. The Grammar School attained a high reputation 
under able masters. 

ssAlexander McComb, son of John McComb of Centinel, Ireland, was 
born in 1739, married Catherine Navarre at Detroit, a French lady of 
noble birth, and died in Georgetown, D. C, Jan. 19, 1831. 

Mr. McComb was a partner with William Edgar in the fur business, 
with headquarters at Detroit and a market at Montreal. In 1779 he sup- 
plied the government and fulfilled the requirements with honor. He 
amassed a large fortune and in 1784 came to New York and was asso- 
ciated in business there at first with Mr. Edgar and Daniel McCormick. 
He was a member of the State Legislature at the adoption of the Consti- 
tution in 1787-88. His name was given to an enormous tract of land 
which he purchased from the State of New York, known as The McComb 
Purchase. It was a part of the Kayaderoses patent, comprising one-tenth 
of the State. He lost his fortune before he died, however, probably sink- 
ing much in unimproved investments. 

His children were: Alexander, born 1783, married Catherine MacComb; 
Charles, killed in a duel; John Navarre, married Christiana, daughter of 
Philip Philip Livingston; Jane, married Robert Kennedy, son of the Earl 
of Cassilis. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 73 

cation of poor children, which we know to be the original de- 
sign of many of the Subscribers, and hope the rest will follow 
so good an example. 

What is gone with ^^Mr. McCormack, he must be gone 
through as he did not expect to make so long stay at Philadel- 
phia. Addy could not get room in neither of the Stages to- 
day, hope he will get on to-morrow or Mrs. F. will be uneasy. 

When you are tired of my Rib you will please to return her 
and I will receive her again agreeably to the new Constitution, 
During good behaviour. 

As I suppose the common impediment will not stand in the 
way next spring, I shall expect to see you and Mrs. Edgar 
and children here then. My best regards attend you all. 

I am dear Sir 

Your most humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Trenton October 22nd 1787. 

Dear Sir, 

******* 

Thank ye good Mrs. Edgar for the excellent oysters, we will 
repay you in fish of the Delaware next Summer when we fully 
expect and depend upon your spending the warm season with 
us at Lamberton where we expect to be then. 

I have made enquiry about Mr. McComb's children. ^*Mr. 
Armstrong would take them in but is full of boys so that he 

67Daniel McCormick came from Ireland to America and settled in New 
York, where he died in 1834. 

He was a prosperous citizen and a member of the firm of Moore & 
Lynsen, auctioneers. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in 
1779 and Alderman in 1784, a director of the Bank of New York for 
twenty years, and a director of the United Insurance Co. He made a 
large fortune in the sales of prizes during the war. He remained a bache- 
lor, and was noted for his wide hospitality. He was described as a man 
of strict religious principles and a member of the First Presbyterian 
Church of New York. He was a fine sample of the old New York Mer- 
chant Prince. 

68James Francis Armstrong, born at West Nottingham, Md., April 3, 
1750, married August, 1782, Susannah, daughter of Robert James Living- 
ston, and died Jan. 19, 1816. In 1771 he entered the Junior class at 
Princeton and resided in the family of President Witherspoon. He gradu- 
ated in the autumn of 1773 and commenced a theological course under 
Dr. Witherspoon and received his license as a probationer in January, 1778, 



74 The Letters of Moore Furman 

has not room at present, but there is a *'Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
who Hve next door but one of the Parson's that have been pre- 
vailed upon to take two Young Misses and are wilHng now to 
take two more, and will take no more, nor will they take any 
boys. They belong to Mr. Armstrong's Congregation, are ex- 
ceeding discreet People, of a middle age, and have no children 
of their own ; they have a very good warm house near the 
Academy, and all I can say more of them is that I should be 
perfect satisfied to trust my Children under their care. Mr. 
Smith is now the Acting Majestrate in this place and a very 
moral man. 

P. S. From what has transpired of the sentiments of the 
People in this State there is reason to believe that the Consti- 
tution will be adopted. 

At the next meeting of the Trustees of the Academy I will 
endeavour to get the plan of the Fund enlarged so as to take 
in more subscribers, and will then send you as many notes as 
you can dispose of. 

M. Furman. 

Trenton December 26th 1787. 
Dear Sir 

•^ ^ ^ "Sp Tp" ^ ^ 

I gave you the earliest notice in my power of the Conduct of 
our Convention, and think it remarkable that the legislature 



and was chosen Chaplain of General Sullivan's brigade, and later of the 
Second Brigade of Maryland forces in the Revolution. He probably re- 
mained in service until Yorktown, 1781. 

He was called to the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, N. J., 1787, 
where he served until his death. There are few objects of public interest 
in that town with which his name is not connected, even standing on the 
roll of the Union Fire Co. He was one of the founders of the Trenton 
Academy. 

His child was Eleanore Graeme, who married Charles Ewing. 

69Benjamin Smith, son of Andrew Smith and Sarah, daughter of Josiah 
Hart, Sr., was born at Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1746, and died at Elizabeth- 
town Oct. 23, 1824. 

He removed to Trenton, N. J., and resided there most of his life as a 
merchant. He was Justice in 1785-1790, 1796-97, and Judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas in 1800. He was President of the Board of Trustees of 
the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, and for several years was an 
Elder and Treasurer of this Church. 



The Letters of Moore Furman T5 

and Convention should be unanimous. I hope it will go on 

untill Nine States at least (I hope all) do confirm it. 

******* 

Your most obedient Servant 

M. Fiu-man. 

Lamberton, October 10th 1788. 
Dear Sir, 

******* 
^"Coll. Morgan having failed in his application to Congress 
has applied to the Spanish Government for a Grant of Lands, 
and he tells me to-day, has all the encouragement he has asked 
and is determined to proceed immediately and attempt a settle- 
ment as near as possible opposite where the River Ohio emties 
into the Mississippi, as possible, its probable you are fully ac- 
quainted with this business. 

I congratulate you on the India Man being safe in the 
Water, so far she has been fortunate, and I sincerely wish she 
may fully answer your most sanguine wishes in all things. 

Presuming on your friendship towards us all I take the lib- 
erty of mentioning to you that I have a son and nephew not 
well employed at present, my son you know, my Nephew has 
been bred to Mercantile business, and I will venture to say very 
few understands accounts, or writes a fairer hand than he does, 
and for his integrity he can have many Vouchers. These two 
young men have within a few days conceived a desire to go in 
your ship to the East India's if you think well of it, and such 

7oGeorge Morgan, son of Evan Morgan and Joan Biles, his wife, from 
Llansire, Wales, was born Feb. 14, 1748, married Mary, daughter of John 
Baynton and Elizabeth Chevalier, his wife, and died March 10, 1810. 

Col. Morgan resided at "Prospect," Princeton, N. J. He was appointed 
agent of Indian Affairs in 1776 with rank and pay of a Colonel of the 
Continental Army. He was appointed Deputy Commissary General of 
Purchases for the Western District in 1777 and served to the close of the 
war. He removed to the neighborhood of Fort Pitt, and built a handsome 
place, calling it "Morganza." While living here, "where the Ohio empties 
into the Mississippi," he was visited by Aaron Burr, and becoming aware 
of his traitorous conspiracy, was the first to send the news to Jefferson. 

His children were: Elizabeth, born 1767; John, born 1770, married Mar- 
garet Bunyan;«Ann, born 1772, married Thomas S. Gibbs of South Caro- 
lina; Benjamin, born 1773; Mary, born 1774; George, born 1780, married 
Elizabeth Thompson; Thomas, born 1784, married Katherine Duane; Maria, 
born 1787, married Dudley Woodbridge. 



76 The Letters of Moore Furman 

stations can be assigned to them as you would advise them to 
accept. My Nephew is now here and will wait here untill you 
favour me with a line on this business, after which he will go to 
New York and wait on you. 

We have the pleasure of hearing often of the health of 
^^Father White, and hope it may continue as long as his life is 
spared. Sally pretty well, the Children quite so, I keep them 
at school. I hope you all enjoy health there. 

I am with the greatest regards 

Dear Sir your most obt. Servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton February 20th 1789. 
Dear Sir, 

Your last to me was under date 14th October last since which 
expect you have been anxiously busy about your Indiaman and 
hope she is now on a prosperous Voyage. 

We hear Mr. Constable has lost a son, but that the Mother 
is safe. 

I suppose the Spring Ships will bring letters from the Doc- 
tor advising of his bad health and poverty. Please to jog 
'^Mr. Varrick and mention that we wish to remit all we can the 



TiTownsend White, of Welsh parentage, married June 13, 1741, to Ann 
Renaudet, daughter of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, He died 
December, 1792. 

He came to America from Bristol, England, but originally from Wales, 
where the family was very prominent in the neighborhood of Tenby. He 
always used his crest and coat of arms and remained loyal to his king 
during the Revolution. He was a prominent merchant in Philadelphia, 
and owned several seagoing vessels. He was Warden of Christ Church in 
Philadelphia, 1749-50 and 1765-66. 

His children were: James; Sarah, born 1745, and married Moore Fur- 
man; Isabella, married William Edgar; John; Ann, married William Con- 
stable. 

72Richard Varrick was born at Hackensack, N. J., March, 1753, married 
Maria, daughter of Isaac Roosevelt and Cornelia Hoffman, his wife, died at 
Jersey City, N. J., July 30, 1831. 

He was Captain in Alexander McDougall's Regiment during the early 
part of the Revolution, and later the Military Secretary to Gen. Philip 
Schuyler. He was appointed Deputy Muster Master General Sept. 25, 1776, 
and first Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Arnold. He was Recording Secretary 
for Washington, and in 1778 Recorder of New York. He was Mayor of 
New York from 1789 to 1801, Speaker of the Assembly in 1787, President 



The Letters of Moore Furman 77 

coming Spring, and I wish the money due ^^Uncle Adrian's 
Estate may also be collected that the Executors may close that 
business. 

I have lately bartered some land in the country for a piece 
here ; the spot the Federal Town is to stand on, and if you have 
an inclination to make sure of some near me believe it may now 
be had reasonable. One of the farms on the banks of the Del- 
aware though not the one adjoining this place, is now to De 
sold reasonable, it has upwards of 300 Acres, near one of which 
is a Meadow and Swamp, about 50 Acres cleared and mowable, 
a large orchard of grafted fruit in its prime, a good frame 
house with sufficient outhouses etc. may be had, I think for 
about LI 000 sterling. Should it ever happen that Congress 
fix here it will be very valuable indeed, and if not it will now 
pay six % Interest for the purchase money. There is no Real 
Estate about this place at present that can be bought so cheap 
for my part I don't expect Congress to settle here, but see 
nothing much against it, there is no healthier place, no place 
easier of access from all the states, it being in the very line of 
Communication, and no place to which there is water carriage 
that will be more difficult to be surprised by a foreign enemy, 
and it is within a few hours ride between and from the two 
greatest Trading Cities in America. 

Respecting a division of Uncle Adrian's Lands I don't find 
that it can take place unless the Law of your state provides 
for it, until the children of J. White come to age, that you'll 
please to consult Mr. Varrick about. 

We hope you will arrange your domestick concern this 
year so as that it will be convenient for you and Mrs. Edgar 
to pay us the long due visit next Summer, if you please to 
hint this to the good Lady I don't doubt but she will order her 
business accordingly. 



of Merchants' Bank, a founder of The American Bible Society and its 
President until his death. 
He had no descendants. 

73Adrian, son of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, his wife, was 
baptized Nov. 6, 1715, and died Dec. 17, 1785. He was a vestryman of 
Trinity Church, New York, but removed to Philadelphia, where he died 
unmarried, leaving a fine estate. 



T8 The Letters of Moore Fueman 

I lately wrote to Mr. White, but have not had a line from 
him a long time, we however hear he is pretty well. 
Sally joyns me and children in love to all. 
I am dear Sir 

Your humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton March 14th 1789. 
Dear Sir 

******* 
You are making such great preparations for Congress that 
I expect you will keep them a few years, but you are too far 
to the Eastward for them to make it their continueing City, 
and when they take wing the difficulty will be to stop them, I 
hope they may not delay fixing too long until the States to the 
Westward are admitted, if they do I fear they'll not stop short 
of Virginia. 

We shall expect you and Mrs. E. this Summer, Mrs. F. has 
almost made a solemn league and covenant with herself that 
she will not visit New York again until she sees her sisters 
here so you see how matters are going to go. I hope the new 
Constitution will get safe into the water and swim easy, we 
can't learn at this distance any State secrets, I suppose Old 
Congress is done acting and that all business is stopped at 
present. 

We all joyn in love to all 
I am dear Sir 
Your most humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton July 13th 1789. 
Dear Sir, 

I was happy to hear that you all got home safe and hope 
the tour was so agreeable that we shall have the pleasure of 

seeing you all here again soon. 

******* 

Well Sir, what think you of the Federal City now, our map 
and offers of jurisdiction will go on soon and you will have an 
opportunity of seeing it in the hands of our Jersey or the Penn- 
sylvania Delegates. I have never been sanguine about it, but 
the opinion of so many in favour of this place has raised my 



The Letters of Moore Furman 79 

expectation, and should it take place without your having hold 
of some of the soil within the square I shall be very sorry, peo- 
ple holding property here are already thinking the value in- 
creased, but some purchases could be made even now at not 
much more than the former prices, you are on the spot and may 
perhaps get a knowledge of what is likely to be done in the 
business, if anything, and can give me the earliest notice in 
your power, and if you have any inclination to speculate I will 
do my best for you. Shall we have the pleasure of seeing you 
and Mrs. E. here soon, you really hurried too much and ought 
to come again to rest yourselves, its very pleasant here now, 
and we have excellent fish. 

We all joyn in best regards for you all, our compliments to 
Mr. Fleming,^* and the good soul his lady, they now know the 
way to Lamberton where they will be welcome while we keep 
house here. 

Mrs. F. is determined to return again to Trenton April 
twelvemonth, but, but, 

I am your most humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton August 4th 1789. 
Dear Sir, 

*^ tie. ill. ^ lie, ^& 

'sft "ijc "iff Tf* *t' ^ 

Well I am so cock sure of Congress that I don't intend to 
improve my land further, than to plow and manure and get 
what grain I can off of it for a year or two, for if they come 
they will not be men of Judgment and taste if they don't build 
on that spot, but there is another reason that operates more 
strongly against my improving at present, and that is I am 
not able; I must build a store here next spring which will cost 
me four or five hundred and that is all I can do, and more too if 
I could help it, for I find I cannot command enough cash to 



74Sampson Fleming came from Ireland and was of Scottish parentage 
and settled first in Canada. He married Alice , and died in 1791. 

He was associated with William Edgar in the great fur trade of the 
frontier of the Northwest, where the foundations of large fortunes were 
laid. 

He removed to Philadelphia about 1784, and resided at his country seat, 
called "Beaver Hall," moving later to New York. 

His children were: James, married Maria ; Ludlow, and Eleanore. 



80 The Letteks of Moore Furman 

carry on the little business that I see can be done here, the 
little property I possess is chiefly real, and at this time its much 
more prudent to buy, than sell, real Estates in Jersey. 

Its a common saying that "its nothing when you are used to 
it," but I find Mrs. E. is an exception she won't leave her own 
home again this season, and how it will be with Mrs. F. I can't 
say, I believe she gave, as they say, a kind of promise, but, but, 
she is now in a complete hobble and does not know which way 
to get out. I went so far, by permission you'll observe, as to 
write to Bethlehem to enquire when Maria could get room 
there, and I have an answer that they will receive her immedi- 
ately, but will not receive any more at present so that Miss Cox 
that proposd to go with her cannot be admitted before fall if 
then, the receiving Maria, I suppose then is to be looked on as a 
favour, Mrs. F. now we can send her, hesitates, and some of the 
Ladies here discourage her, I still hold fast my integrity and 
wish her to go as I think her being there a year or two will be 
great use in regulating her at her present age, and fit her to 
come into the world with more coolness and consideration than 
to usher her in now, she will improve there in Needle work and 
drawing and musick preferable to any other place in my opin- 
ion, and for a quarter of the money, which is also a considera- 
tion with me. Pray tell me what you think of it for I have 
not room to say any moi'e on the subject at present. We all 
joyn in love etc. I am your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

In reading over my letter I find I did not tell you that I 
doubt Mrs. F. seeing New York in the year 1789. 

Lamberton Sept. 9th 1789. 

Dear Sir 

******* 

With what sort of management is this Congress like to give 
us both the slip, if they left you I did not expect they would 
have gone over us, pray how stands the matter now for we get 
neither head, tail or middle of it.? 

On further enquiry and consideration respecting the school 
for girls at Bethlehem I went up there with our Daughter and 
left her there, where I expect she will remain between one and 
two years after which I think she may spend a winter in New 
York or Philadelphia to more advantage than at present. 



The Letters op Moore Furman 81 

Mrs, F. and children joyn me in compliments to all friends 
etc. etc. 

I am Your most obedient Servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton September 28th 1789. 
Dear Sir, 

I advised you a few days ago that I had forwarded you a 
Pipe of wine with ^^Mr. Shaw's. 

I have drawn on Mr. Shaw for two thousand and sixty four 
dollars in three equal bills, payable in forty five daj's , four 
months and a half and seven months and a half, payable to 
you, which I suppose he will accept and lodge in your hands, 
upon your acknowledgement of which I am to deliver up ^^Mr. 
Geo. Davis's security to me for the wine. These wines are the 
property of the Estate of the late Lady Dona Guiomar Mag- 
dalena de Sade Vilhena, deceased of Madeira, and is to be ac- 
counted for to the Rev. Father Manoel de Jesus her Executor; 
the Bills, if you please may lay in your hands until they fall 
due as it may be at those times as convenient for me to make 
the remittances from New York as any other place. 

Mrs. F. returned last evening from Bethlehem, Maria is well 
and desires to be remembered to her Aunts and all friends, she 
is kindly treated but their manner of living is rather new to 
her and not as agreeable as to be at home, but she is deter- 
mind she says to spend one year with them and learn what she 
can. 

Your most humble Servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton October 6th 1789. 
Dear Sir 

I have your favour of the first and hope the Wine will ar- 
rive safe and please, you will please to make the time of pay- 
ment convenient to yourself. 



75John Shaw was a prominent merchant in Water Street, New York, and 
in 1799 formed the house of Corp, Ellis & Shaw, where an enormous busi- 
ness was done until 1812, when he returned to England. 

He had one child, Ann Marston Shaw, who married Charles E. Pearson 
of Morristown, N. J. 

76George Davis was a prominent citizen in Trenton of his day and a 
philanthropist. 



82 The Letters of Moore Fueman 

The very unsettled state of mind that Congress have been in 
respecting their permanent settlement leaves us little room to 
expect it here so that I have totally given it up, and mean as 
soon as possible to improve the piece of ground I have near me 
into a farm, it is very easy land to work, will produce naturally 
in the middle way, manure can be had reasonable, and the 
produce of it very near to Market. Will you believe it Mrs. F. 
is returned without Maria who concludes to spend Twelve 
months without visiting home above once if that : Mrs. F. de- 
sires me to inform you that she has no malice in her heart 
towards you about this business, for she really begins to be of 
your opinion respecting Maria being put there; that she will 
be improved in some usefull knowledge and further that she 
cannot with any conveniency pay her sister a visit this fall, but 
intends doing it when the ship arrives from India, which I fear 
will be an unfavorable time for me, for ten to one but the Tea 
and China will tempt her to run me in debt. She joyns me in 
best regards for you all. 

Your humble servant 

M. Furman. 

If my nephew Furman Yard should leave a Box of papers 
with you please to give them room in your store or garret. 

Bethlehem April 12th 1790. 
Dear Sir 

Beins: at Pitts Town on a visit I stole a March on Maria 
who I found well and in good spirits, she wants to return but 
is willing to stay until fall. I think the school here is improv- 
ing there being several new teachers, and I cannot help con- 
tinuing of Opinion that it is a good place for Girls to be any 
part of their time, for a year or two between ten and fourteen 
years of age. — 

Maria begs her love may be acceptable to her Aunts and 
wishes it may be agreeable for them to take a ride to Bethle- 
hem in the Summer, its too early now for Ladies to travel. 

I expect your farmer will set out next week. 

Yr. Most obt. 
M. Furman. 

Lamberton April 22nd. 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

I gave you a line a few days ago from Bethlehem by Mr„ 



The Letters of Moore Furman 83 

Currie," wherein I advised that your farmer would be with you 
soon: This you will receive by him, he is uneasy at tarrying 
over the time proposed to be there, but hopes it will be no dis- 
advantage, for several days he could not get along the Waters 
were so high from the Snow and rains that fall. I still continue 
of opinion that he will please being I think, a sober, Industrious 
and honest man, and understands farming. I have sold him 
my negro boy Dick who by the Inclosed agreement you will 
see is to be set free when he arrives to the age of twenty five 
years which will be the 29th September 1804. 

You will please either to keep the agreement, or if you think 
best, lodge it with the Society for the Abolition of Slavery. 

All well and send love in abundance to your and Mr. Con- 
stable's family. 

Your obedient Servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton June 2nd. 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

I take the liberty of Introducing my friend and Neighbour 
James Ewing Esq. Continental Treasurer for the State, to 
your acquaintance. 

My Rib has eloped but have no doubt but she will return 
again in a few days, she expects this the last visit to Bethle- 
hem for sometime unless Mrs. E. and some of our other friends 
wishes to take another step this Summer over the hills and far 
away. Maria returns in September. 

I wrote you a few days ago by my neighbour Combs, he 
expects to make some stay in New York, or would be a good 
opportunity for the few dollars from Mr. Shaw, which would 
be acceptable now as I am making a shipment to Madeira. 



77Archibald Currie of New York, born 1738, married June 11, 1771, Cath- 
erine Sebring. He was a prosperous merchant in New York, one of the 
first Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church and a Charter member of 
the St. Andrew's Society. He died April 25, 1814, and is buried in the 
graveyard of the Dutch Reformed Church, Fishkill, N. Y. 

His daughter Ann, born Sept. 13, 1777, was educated at the Moravian 
Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa., and married Major Richard Rapelje, who 
came from Long Island to Fishkill, N. Y. 

Their children were: Richard; Catherine; Elizabeth, married Isaac E. 
Cottreal; Archibald Currie, died young. 



84 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Mr. Ewing also informs me he means to make some stay or 
that would do very well, if therefore no good opportunity of- 
fers before next week believe I must send a Messenger for it. 
In dollars its too heavy to ask a friend to take charge of it 
and therefore expect I must send. 

If you should determine to continue your concern in the 
America, and she is to touch at Madeira for Wines, I am of 
opinion my friend there can and will serve you at least equal 
to any in the Island. 

Compliments to the ^ood Lady etc. 

Your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton July 15th 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

I congratulate you on the arrival of the America and sin- 
cerely hope she has made a good voyage. I would with pleas- 
ure accompany Mrs. F. and her daughter to New York imme- 
diately, but was last week at Philadelphia and entered upon the 
settlement of some old and long accounts which I must return 
and attend to in a few days and cannot leave until finished. I 
wish Mrs. F. and her daughter to go and spend a few weeks 
with you but she says she cannot leave home quite alone there- 
fore cannot at present set any time when we shall see you, then 
as soon as we can, I suppose you have Tea of several sorts 
which will be for sale as soon as you get the business of the 
Ship arranged, I have given up the store and the little busi- 
ness that can be done here to Adrian & P. Hunt a Young man 
that served his time with me, and who I think very attentive to 
business, they want some tea but wish first to know the quality 
and prices you expect to sell at and the Credit you propose to 
give before they order any lest the prices in New York exceed 
Philadelphia and then their neighbors will undersell them. 

We all joyn in best wishes for you all, I am 

******* 

Your most obliged humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton Aug. 11, 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

Mrs. F. haveing been in suspense for some days about going 



The Letters of Moore Furman 86 

to N. Yk. occasioned my not acknowledging your favor of the 
1st Instant before now, and thanking you and your good Lady 
for the presents which came safe to hand. Mr. ^^Ewing tells 
me our father W. continues very low and not much prospect 
of ever getting up again, Mrs, F. wants much to see him, in- 
dispensible business calls me again to Philada. in a day or two, 
when I return which may be in five or six days, believe she will 
try to set out, unless you should advise us that Mr. W. is better 
or departed, in which case she will prefer waiting until the 
weather is cooler before she pays you a visit. 

I have not the Map of the Land here but if I can get a sight n 
of one in Philada. will endeavour to give you the necessary 
information about the Lott that man is selling. I observe what 
you say of ^^Aunt Osbom, I expected she would be the means 
of some difficulties with Aunt Beekmans Estate, wish Mr. Rea 
may see his way clear to undertake, he is a disinterested person 
and might give the Legaties satisfaction, for my part I will 
promise you both for myself, and think I can for my spouse, 
that we will give you no sort of uneasiness as far as we are in- 
terested, which cant be much if Aunt Osbom has taken the 
personal Estate to herself. 

I am glad to hear that the America has brought a good and 
Valuable Cargo, 'tis a pity that the Gensang should take away 
the profits — we wish to have some Bohia & Hyson as I suppose 
they must be of the first quality, but they are so much lower 



78James Ewing, son of Maskell Ewing and Mary Paget, his wife, mar- 
ried Martha Boyd, and died Oct. 23, 1823, 

He was a Representative from Cumberland County in 1774, removed to 
Trenton in 1779, was Auditor of Public Accounts and Commissioner of 
Loans under the Government and Agent of Pensions. Mayor of Trenton, 
1797-1803. He was one of the founders of the Trenton Library Company 
and the Trenton Academy. He was Corporator, Commissioner and Secre- 
tary of the Society, incorporated March 15, 1796, to make the Assanpink 
navigable. He was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 
elected Sept. 5, 1808, and ordained Elder on Sept. 21, 1817. He was a 
Commissioner of Loans for New Jersey, and for many years Justice of 
Peace for Hunterdon County and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 

His child was: Charles, married Eleanore Graeme, daughter of Rev. 
James F. Armstrong. In accordance with his known wishes, no stone was 
placed to mark his grave in the First Presbyterian Churchyard. 

79Wife of George Lucas Osborne, born at Antigua, West Indies, March 
21, 1713, married Jane Renaudet at Dutch Church, New York, April 13, 



86 The Lettees of Moore Fueman 

at present in Phila. that my Young Men thinks their neighbor 
traders will undersell so much as to run away with the sales — 
but can say more on this subject after being at Philada. 

Had Johnny White come this way believe Mrs. F. would 
have gone on with him, we beged him to write us but have not 
heard a word from him, nor indeed do we know certainly wether 
he is at N. Yk, or not — I have been unfortunate hearing that 
Certificates was up at N. Yk. and knowing Mr. Constable to be 
a knowing one in that line I forwarded a few hundred pounds 
to him to raise some cash for me but they arived too late for 
13/ & suppose they are now a Shilling or two less. I hope they 
will rise again, and perhaps you may lay your head to Mr. C.'s 
and make the best of them, the money will be very acceptable 
to me in all this month, but hold out longer rather than sell 
under Value. 

We hear Congress is about to leave you, which to say the lest 
is very ungenerous in respect to your City, and subject tJie 
public to an unnecessary Expence — but we must submit, we 
have made them great men and they act accordingly. 

We joyn in Love to all. 

I am Yr most Obt. 

M. Furman. 

Trenton April 8th 1791. 

Dear Sir, 

******* 

I am really contemplating a journey to pay you a visit, 
Sally wants to see her father much, and her sisters, and Maria 
wants to see everybody and all the world, it is very inconvenient 
indeed for all to be from home but notwithstanding we propose 
to run all risques in May and risque what we leave behind to 
time and chance. It is said of the Ladies that they are pleased 
with variety but that observation dont apply to Mrs. E. for 
though she changes her shapes so often she don't seem per- 
fectly easy, ere long she will leave off those fashions and then 



1737, and died May 12, 1762, at St. Croix, West Indies. 

His children were: Ann, born 1739, married Nathaniel Lillie of St. Croix; 
Elizabeth, born 1741, and married Lucas Benners; Russell, married John S. 
Hunt of St. Croix, 1742; Isabelle, married Jean Marie de Bordes of James- 
town; Fraser Mathews, born 1743; Robert, born 1744; Mary Grace, born 
1746; Jane, born 1748; George Renaudet, born 1749. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 87 

all will come right again. I wish her sister may set out so as to 
be there when she resumes her former shapes, we all pray for her 
safety, and joyn in wishing all our friends there every happi- 
ness. 

In sincerity 

I am your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

Trenton July 16th 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

I think we may be called expeditious travellers, we left your 
city at five o'clock in the evening and breakfasted at home at 
half after eight o'clock this morning, the night was fine and 
cool, our fellow passengers wished to push on, and with a little 
blarney and a little money the drivers pushed on. 

You have taken our daughter into your family, how shall I 
oblige you so much I cannot conceive. I now write her and 
have mentioned many things ; but she is young and may forget 
them when necessary to be put in practice, she is to begin mu- 
sick and needle work the first quarter, and whatever other 
branches of education she wishes to learn I have requested she 
will consult you and her Aunt, and if you consent, she may un- 
dertake it ; as these are the last two or three quarters that she 
will have to spend at school I have urged her to be industrious. 
I have put five hundred pounds into the Funds for Maria, and 
in her own name the interest of which is for her use, the first 
quarter's Interest was received last quarter which I gave her, I 
wish her to know the use and value of money and therefore she 
is to appropriate it to clothing herself, and she is to pay for 
whatever cloathing her Aunt thinks she wants and advises her 
to buy, and also for her washing, which hope she will do, under 
your and her Aunt's inspection, properly ; as far as I have tried 
her yet she has done pretty well but should she do other ways 
you will please to interfere, she is to keep an account of the 
expenditure of her money and hope she will be prudent, for her 
tuition must beg you to pay as it becomes due and is called 
for, as long as you have any, and when run out I will again 
supply. 

I do not entertain the least fear of your kind and friendly 
attention to her in everything, notwithstanding, I feel a desire 
of mentioning one in particular and that is her constant attend- 



88 The Letters of Moore Furman 

ance at public worship with your family, nothing in my opinion 
tends more towards consolidating and directing the mind in 
regulating all their conduct. I have pressed it upon her at 
home, and she has rather shown a willingness to comply than 
othen^ise. I hope the dear sick child is recovering, Mrs. F. and 
our children joyn in love to you all. 

1 am dear Sir Your obliged Servant 

M. Furman. 

Trenton Sept. 5th 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 2nd — Am sorry the horse dont 
match your youngest. I think him however a valuable one and 
that he will carry Mrs. E. wherever she wishes with the gi-eatest 
safety until a span can be got that are more elegant. Horses 
that are clever has been in such demand in the Capitol that 
they have for a year past been catched at, at almost any price, 
but I expect the demand there will shortly collect them from 
all quarters in such numbers that next year a span may more 
easily be procured, and at a more moderate price ; please to let 
the Lady know that we will look out for her and get a pr. the 
next Spring more elegant & gay. 

Addy ought to have tarried at your house until you returned, 
but he did not consider. I had made up my mind respecting 
Aunt Beekmans Estate not to interfere, pro nor con, its but 
trifling Mrs. F. will draw of it, and its probable any steps I 
might take, or advice, may not be pleasing to all interested, you 
know there are some not easily pleased unless they have the sole 
direction, however I will hear his proposal — I'm told the Doct. 
has given in to his advice and ordered his Attorneys to comply, 
but I have no letter. 

You will please to inform me a few days before you come on 
for Philadelphia & I will accompany you there. You flatter us 
much respecting our daughter, I hope she merits the character 
you give her and will by every act and expression show her 
gratitude to you for all your disinterested kindness, which may 
perhaps be all the returns she may be ever able to make. Sup- 
pose you should bring Mrs. E. to Trenton, where we would 
leave her until you and I have made our excursion the roads will 
probably be good, and your two horses will bring you here in 



The Letters of Moore Furman 89 

three days without hurrjing, or even two days if Mrs. E. 
wishes it. 

I wrote to Maria by last Saturday's post and inclosed a 
Twenty five dollar bank note, we are all well, send love & pray 
God to help you all. 

Yr. obliged hum Servt. 

M. Furman. 

Friday Evening. 

Nov. 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

^ 7P ^ TP ^ *P ^ 

I have set in our House of Assembly this evening to hear the 
debates respecting the State house which at last is fixed here 
by them, and to-morrow goes up to Council where it's said it 
will meet with a Majority in its favour, the minds of that house 
being well known out doors. All well. 

Your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

Trenton November 26th 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

I wrote you last week by a Gentleman that lives at Elisabeth 
Town who promised to forward it. I therein advised you that 
a Law was before our Legislature for fixing the seat of gov- 
ernment here, which has since passed so that I expect real prop- 
erty will undoubtedly rise with us though not very rapidly or 
very high. I cannot encourage you to believe that any consid- 
erable profit, in proportion to the value of the purchase can be 
made of Mrs, ^"Mitchell's property, but really believe something 
may be made of it even at One thousand pounds, which believe 
she will sell it at now, if not less, you will therefore please to 
write me a line, if you wish to purchase, offering her Nine hun- 
dred pounds payable 1st Jan. 1793, with interest at 6 per cent 
from the time possession is given, which can be the first of April 
next, I don't much expect she will take it but it will commence a 

soMrs. Mitchell was probably the widow of Randle Mitchell from Phila- 
delphia. 

Randle Mitchell and Rose Harper, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1751, appear in 
the marriage notices of that city. He moved to Trenton and was a mem- 
ber of the Committee of Observation in 1775, and was interested in public 
affairs of the town. 



90 The Letters of Moore Furman 

negotiation and you can inform me how much further you are 
wilHng to go provided she wont accept of that. Our chief 
^^ Justice Kinsey has told G. Davis that he will buy if he can 
sell some Land to pay for it, and I see advertisements up for 
the sale of the land he told George he would sell for that pur- 
pose, I expect they will sell as they are good. 

The Bill has also passed in favour of the Manufactoring 
Society giving them all they expected though not quite all they 
asked, and on Monday next they begin to muster here to choose 
their Officers, and I suppose, the spot to set down on. 
Monday Morning. 

******* 
Mr. and Mrs. ^^Hamilton came to town last night they have 

brought their son to put to boarding school to our Episcopal" 
Church Parson. The Subscribers begin to muster strong, and 
agreeably to law the business must begin between 12 and 2 
o'clock this day. 
All's well 

Your most obedient 

M. Furman. 



sijames Kinsey, son of John Kinsey, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
March 22, 1731, married in 1758 to Hannah, daughter of Isaac De Cou and 
Hannah Nicholson, and died at Burlington, N. J., Jan. 4, 1803. 

He studied law and practised both in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 
He was sent as delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774 and appointed 
Chief Justice of New Jersey, serving from 1789-1803. 

His children were: John, born 1764; Sarah, born 1766; James, born 
1768; Charles; Ann, born 1771; Mary, born 1773; Philip, born 1774; 
Thomas; Hannah, born 1777. 

83The great statesman, Alexander Hamilton, born in the West Indies 
Jan. 11, 1757, married Elizabeth Schuyler, and died in New York July 12, 
1804. His eldest son, Philip, went to school in Trenton. 

83Rev. William Frazer, born 1743, married Rebecca, daughter of Rev. 
Colin Campbell, of Burlington, and Martha Bard, his wife, and died 
July 6, 1795. 

Mr. Frazer was of the distinguished Scottish family of that name, and 
his wife of the family of the Duke of Argyle and the celebrated Tory 
family of Bard, to which Washington's New York physician belonged. He 
was sent out as missionary to America, and in 1768 took charge of St. 
Michaels, Trenton; St. Andrews, Amwell; St. Thomas, Kingwood, and a 
small mission at Mesconetcong, where he labored until the breaking out of 
the Revolution. As he was supported by the British Missionary Society, 
he felt it his duty to continue praying for the Royal Family, which made 



The Letters of Moore Furman 91 

Trenton Jan. 5th 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

I received your letter of the 30th past advising us of the 
death of our Father-in-law, an event we have long expected 
and therefore the better prepared for the shock; he has lived 
to a good old age and I make no doubt died in peace with God 
and man. Maria has also wrote and mentioned his Death, she 
seems to have felt it, and I hope it will leave a proper impres- 
sion on her mind, he is gone, others in rotation must follow 
until time, respecting all temporal things, shall be no longer. 

I was fearful my little girl would get big notions in her head 
by being in the City, she writes me that she thinks she wants a 
watch, well if she thinks so I suppose it will operate as it gen- 
erally does, in the same manner as if she really wanted one, that 
is, to expect she must have it, but then how is it to be got. I 
suppose Uncle Constable and the Dowager is to be the Agents 
to make the purchase but I have no money in England, if you 
have and will desire Mr. Constable to lay out about twenty 
Guineas for that purpose I will repay you when and with what 
allowance you please, if it be not quite convenient and agree- 
able to furnish it I must contrive otherways, for Maria has al- 
ways had address enough to make me believe her a pretty good 
Child and I must indulge her in everything I can. 

We are all well and wish you and all our Friends at New 
York every good. Your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

Trenton October 15th 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

Two weeks time has run out since I left your house and tho' 
quite anxious, have not heard a tittle of Mrs. Edgar's health 
and therefore conclude and hope she is better. 

Mrs. Furman goes on to-day under convoy of Reverend Mr. 
Armstrong to see her sisters, she would have put off this visit 

him obnoxious to the Patriots. He was unable to continue holding serv- 
ices, but was so tactful and gentle that as soon as the war was over he 
was able to resume his ministry. 

His children were: Colin, born 1769; Mary; William Bard, born 1789, 
■died young; William, born 1772; Elizabeth, died young; Jane, born 1779, 
married William Geary; Charles Campbell, born 1786, and Rebecca 



92 The Letters of Moore Furman 

until next Spring were it not for Mrs. E's. bad state of health 
and spirits, and the hopes she has of being usefull to her in 
both those maladies. I wish it were so that Mrs. E. could spend 
some time with us at Trenton, change of air might be of more 
use than change of medicines. Will not Philadelphia her na- 
tive place, when she is able to make the tryal, be likely to be 
usefull, but nothing seems to be omitted by her friends there 
that is likely to help her, and I hope Mrs. F. may leave her in a 
fair way to perfect health again. 
I am dear sir 

Your much obliged 

humble servant 
M. Furman. 

Trenton October 9th 1792. 
My dear Uncle, 

We arrived in this place Wednesday last where we had the 
pleasure of finding all our friends in good health, which I hope 
to hear Aunt Edgar has ere this. Permit me my dear Uncle 
and Aunt to solicit your pardon for not thanking you for all 
your kindness to me whilst with you, be assured I shall ever 
consider myself under the greatest obligations, and fear I shall 
never have it in my power to make you suitable returns, I en- 
deavoured though in vain when I left you to return you some 
thanks, but found to my mortification my spirits were so flurried 
that my words could not find utterance. The ^^children oh! 
how I long to see them, my little Juliet*^ I hope is better I have 



84Louisa Edgar married Gardiner Greene Rowland. He was the son 
of Joseph Howland and Lydia, daughter of Ephraim Bill of Connecticut, 
and was one of New York's great merchants. 

Their children were: William Edgar, unmarried; Annabella, married 
Rufus Leavitt; Abbie Woolsey, married Fred. H. Wolcott; Rev. Robert S.^ 
Howland, married Mary E. W. Woolsey; Maria Louisa, married (1) James 
Brown, (2) James Glendenning. 

ssjuliet Edgar married Herman Le Roy, son of Herman Le Roy and 
Hannah, daughter of Hon. Samuel Cornell. 

Herman Le Roy, Sr., was the Dutch Consul at New York and became a 
man of great importance, whose opinion had much weight in the councils 
for the public welfare. His daughter, Caroline, was the wife of Daniel 
Webster. The children of Juliet Edgar and Herman Le Roy were: Anne 
Van Horn; Herman C, married (1st) Matilda W. Stewart, (2d) Mrs. 
Elizabeth H. May; William Edgar, married (1st) Elizabeth Nicoll, (2d) 



The Letters of Moore Furman 93 

done nothing but dream of the sweet children since I left them, 
pray bring them all to see me next smnmer. Mama will deliver 
you this she intends spending a few days with Aunt, if she will 
visit us next summer I will insure her recovery. I hope to re- 
ceive a letter from Annabella soon informing me she is head 
and ^^William the same. Please to give my love to all friends 
and accept the same yourself 

From your affectionate niece 

Maria Furman. 
Pray kiss all the children for 
me. my best love to Aunt Esther. 

Trenton November 24th 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

From what we hear our dear Sister must before this have left 
New York, I don't learn that her Physicians have decided her 
disorder to be consumption, we have therefore hopes concerning 
her, and kind Heaven grant she may return in better health and 
be a comfort to you and blessing to her children for many years 
yet to come. 

We shall be exceedingly glad to hear the first news you have 
from her and hope it will be favourable. 

We are well. Heaven bless you and your little ones. 

I am most sincerely 
Yours 

M. Furman. 

Trenton October 3rd 1793. 
Dear Sir, 

I am favoured with your letter of the 1st Instant having oc- 
casion to write to Johnny White, and nothing particular to 
communicate to you concluded to pass forward our ardent 
wishes for the health and happiness of you and family through 
his letter. 



Mrs. Mary Sturup; Edwards, unmarried; Anson Van Horn, married Ellen 
Rhinelander; Fred C, married Caroline Remsen. 

86William Edgar, Jr., born 1787, married Cornelia Le Roy, daughter of 
Herman Le Roy and Hannah, daughter of Hon. Samuel Cornell. 

Their children were: M^illiam, married Eliza L. Rhinelander; Herman 
Le Roy Edgar, married Elizabeth Edmonson; Hannah, married Robert R. 
Morris; Daniel McCormick, married Julia Lorillard; Newbold, married 
Caroline Appleton; Robert W., married Jane Le Roy. 



94! The Letters of Mooee Furman 

*^We have contemplated the change you are about to make, 
which we by no means view as a disrespectful! step towards our 
deceased and beloved sister, but the contrary, it rather shows 
your care and attention to provide for the education and man- 
agement of her beautiful and promising offspring. May you 
sir, and your children experience every pleasure and advantage 
from the change that your most flattering idea can suggest, 
and I hope with you that this event will not slacken but draw 
the cord of friendship tighter between us and those that here- 
after represent us, which on your part I will take this oppor- 
tunity to acknowledge has been extended towards me and my 
family without merit or reward. 

I thank you for your kind offer of sending us anything from 
New York. Peter Hunt set out for your City a few days ago to 
purchase a few articles, as our communication is stopped with 
Philadelphia, he will wait on you, his departure was sudden and 
I only wrote a line to J. W. 

Yes my dear sir the Pestilential Fever in Philadelphia is such 
as never has been before experienced in this part of the world, 
at least never to so great an extent, and God knows where or 
when it will end, our accounts to yesterday gives us no room 
to suppose the least abatement but rather the contrary, we have 
as yet been very highly favoured, the inhabitants have been very 
watchfull and attentive but are almost worn out, indeed there 
is not now the same use for Guards for the People of Philadel- 
phia are nearly done travelling, the Country people are now so 
fearfull they cannot get accommodations on the road. 

Believe all my family will go to Pitt's Town next week 
though the disorder is not here and tarry a few weeks until cold 
weather which its generally believed v/ill check the fever in 
Philadelphia, kind Heaven grant it may ! I am with unfeigned 
regard for you and yours Your obliged hum. serv. 

M. Furman. 
It is our intention to pay you a visit 
as soon as it is convenient. 



87 Anne Van Home was second wife of William Edgar, daughter of David 
Van Home and Anna, daughter of Philip French and Susanna Brock- 
hoist. Mr. Van Home was the son of Abraham Van Home and Maria 
Provoost, his wife. He was born in 1712 and died in 1775. 

He was one of the prosperous merchants of New York of his day. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 95 

Trenton July 16th 1794. 
Dear Sir, 

I received your letter dated the 2nd Instant yesterday, the 
silks are not yet to hand but expected tomorrow and make no 
doubt will answer your description of them, Mrs. Furman re- 
turns you thanks for this and all other favours. 

I wrote a line to Johnny White which make no doubt he com- 
municated to you, informing him that on Saturday morning 
last my son Adrian departed this life, which has been a painful 
act of Providence to us all, the great trouble and anxiety his 
mother and I have had for some time, I may say years past 
seemed to fix him so much nearer our hearts, which was not so 
clearly discovered until we came to part, he has been declining 
in his health for six months past, but continued only about 
two weeks after he kept his bed, we are happy that he remained 
at home with us that we had an opportunity of continueing our 
care and attention to the end of his life, this is a call to all his 
relations and friends to be also ready. 

Maria's trip to N. York was a very sudden one indeed. Miss 
Barclay^* of Philadelphia and Miss Cox^^ of Sidney was on a 
visit to her, believe I may say it was determined on in twenty 
minutes after mentioned and that they set out in about forty 
more, she would undoubtedly have preferred your house and 
family to any there were she not peculiarly circumstanced at 
that time and obliged to stay with her company. I hope her 



88Miss Barclay (Eleanore Porter), daughter of John Barclay, Mayor 
of Philadelphia, and Eleanore Porter, his wife, married July 14, 1798, James 
Cochrane, Esq., member of Congress from Delaware, and had one child, 
Gertrude, born 1799. 

89Miss Coxe was the daughter of Charles Coxe of Philadelphia and Sid- 
ney, N. J. He was born Aug. 18, 1775, married Rebecca Wells, and died 
October, 1815. 

He was a merchant in Philadelphia, and resided there until 1766, when 
he bought 1,200 acres in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He built a 
handsome home there and became largely identified with the interests in 
the neighborhood. He was a man of energy and progressive ideas, and 
turned the water power on his estate to use by establishing a large woolen 
factory and applied for a charter to build a canal. He was a member of 
the Legislative Council, 1775-77, and Justice in 1780, 1781, 1793, 1797. 

His children were: Richard, married Theodosia Sayre; Eliza Augusta, 
married Lucius W. Stockton; Rebecca, married Tench Coxe. 



96 The Lettees of Moore Furman 

conduct may never savour of want of gratitude for all your 
paternal attention to her. 

Mrs. Furman and Maria, and all of us are very happy to hear 
from all directions of the care and attention paid to the dear 
children of our deceased sister, and hope that your Mrs. Edgar 
may enjoy over and above the comfort of a good conscience, 
the pleasing reward of gratefull hearts standing round her in 
the decline of Life. 

We all joyn in sincere wishes for your and Mrs. Edgar's 
happiness and all under your care. 



i am with due regards 



Dear Sir Yr. Obt. Servant 

M. Furman. 



Trfenton Sept. 5th. 1795. 
Dear Sir, 

We have been alarmed on hearing that the fever raged in N. 
Yk. and other places, so much as to cause a Proclamation to 
Issue in Philadelphia but hope from your account and others 
that it is abating, the weather has happily taken a favorable 
turn. 

Yes, I think I see the danger in the Treatty if ratified. Dan- 
ger to the liberties and independence of this country; but I 
fear not for myself but for my children and posterity in gen- 
eral, my being put in the chair was very unexpected to me, there 
are others among us that ought to take the active part in 
public affairs. I am endeavoring to close my worldly concerns, 
but unaccountable to me that all but Camillus condemn the 
Treatty in part, and yet so many endeavor to justify the rati- 
fication of it; I wish the Constitution to remain pure until al- 
tered by the proper Authority of a Convention, if the Execu- 
tive begin to take liberties with it who can say when or where 
it will end. 

Mrs. Furman has for some time had some very unfavorable 
simtoms respecting her health, but I think they have abated 
and that some good braceing weather with exercise, which she 
often takes, will put her in a better way. our children are well, 
Maria and John at home, Moore at Philadelphia preparing for 
his Journey thro' Life. The friendly treatment we have always 
received from you, will induce me to ask anything that is rea- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 97 

sonable to be asked of you. 

We all joyn in ardent wishes for the health and happiness of 
yourself, Mrs. Edgar and the children. 

I am your obliged and obt. Servant 

M. Furman. 

Trenton May 17th 1796. 
Dear Sir, 

I received your favour of the 6th Instant and am much 
obliged for your attention to Mr. Gordon who I esteem as a 
good young man. the opinion you have of the Indian trade 
strikes me in the same light and that the Canada Traders have 
the advantage of those of the U. States, we are however bound 
and must make the experiment. 

The obligations you have conferred on me and mine calls 
on me to render any returns in my power and hope the confi- 
dence reposed in me by naming me in your Will may never be 
abused, it is however my ardent wish that your life and health 
may be long preserved for the benefit of your dear children and 
friends. This will be delivered by my children John and Maria 
who have an opportunity of going to N. York in a Coachee I 
got made here for Mr. Constable, to see their friends. Maria 
had a desire to see all her friends and acquaintances there and 
will no doubt spend part of her time with her Cousins in your 
family. John will also wait upon you, but he being now a man 
of business will spend but a day or two in the City. 

Mrs. F. is getting pretty well again she however intends 
going abroad a little this summer, and if her rout inclines your 
way may cross the N. River and take you by surprise. Maria 
has had a wish ever since she left N. York to bring one of the 
children here awhile perhaps it may suit now, we shall take 
great care of her if she comes and return her when ordered. 

My best wishes attend you and yours. 

I am with much esteem 
Dear Sir, 

Your most obt. Sert. 

M. Furman. 

Trenton October 3rd. 1796. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 29th past and are happy to hear 



98 The Letters op Moore Fueman 

you all arrived safe in the city. Your Visit has relieved us 
from all anxiety on account of your Children, the regard and 
love we have for them will always keep us a concern for their 
management, we have now no other than that we fear Mrs. E. 
will be too indulgent, and there we feel easy too, believing and 
confiding in her good sense and management in everything, in 
short, sir, we think both your children and yourself are fortu- 
nate in your choice, and we sincerely wish you all, health and 
long Life to enjoy the comforts of it. Mrs. F. has had a severe 
spell for a few days past of her old disorder but is better, and 
John took Bark for the Ague and Fever yesterday. Maria and 
myself are the Ironsides of the family. 

vp vp *it *}? ^ »i? ^ 

We all joyn in best regards for yourself, Mrs. E. and chil- 
dren. 

I am yours etc. 

M. Furman. 

Bristol Hotwells Feby 1st 1797. 
My dear Mr, Furman, 

Your affectionate & very acceptable favor of the 14th No- 
vember came to hand the 17th January, it afforded me the 
greatest satisfaction of any I have received from America for 
a long time past. Would to heaven you had said so much & 
been so minute in your sentiments relative to my American af- 
fairs it should have saved you & my worthy friend Mr. Edgar, 
nay & every one else who has been concerned in my business an 
infinity of trouble for your sentiments intirely coincide with 
mine. I have always thought that the fewer people concerned 
in wills powers of Attorney & in short in the transacting of 
business so much the better 'tis carried on & executed & oft 
very oft have I regreted the different localities of your situa- 
tions & have Scores of times felt the great inconvenience thereof 
in almost all things relative to myself — It has been the Occa- 
sion of my being repeatedly foild in appointing executors & 
when it has been done I have as often been under the necessity 
of changing them, so that, that circumstance, together with 
the changes in death & Marriage & misbehaviours of many have 
occasioned me, everlastingly to make alterations in my wills — 
of which I am certain I could not have made less first & last, 
than thirty, in some I ordered my lands all of whatever Denom- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 99 

ination, to be sold out & out, & the money to be placed at Inter- 
est & the whole of the principal to be divided among such of 
my heirs in the three Families, as I should think worthy — then, 
considering the times I found that lands bore so small value I 
thought it would be a cruel Injury to those who were to In- 
herit after me & I again altered my will & forewent the Interest 
it might have brought to my comfort — then the extraordinary 
refractousness of my Nephews which has been beyond example 
again & again & used to overset the whole tenor of my Will, 
thus have I been persecuted injured and vexed for evermore & 
have neither been able to settle my affairs to my mind either 
here or in America & my constitution being so Delicate & puny, 
my health is everlastingly destroyed by colds spitings of blood 
etc. etc. which has been a continual cheque to my making any- 
thing by my profession which I otherwise should have done 
(figuratively speaking) by cart loads, for scores of patients 
have I been obliged from time to time to give up & others I 
have from deplorable bad health & whole winters confinement 
been under the necessity of declining to take under my Medical 
care I often wonder I have been able to amass the trifle I have 
especially when I consider the expenses that ill health brings 
with it & that for these last three nay almost four years I have 
declined practice from my being so often obliged to leave as it 
were my patients in the lurch — Sometimes I am tolerable for 8 
or 10 Days & afterwards a trifle deranges me & confines me 
from 6 weeks to three months. I've now not been out of my 
Dining room except to my bedchamber for several weeks & the 
weather is now so gloomy moist and sleety, that I may not get 
out of the house till March or April this has been the case for 
years past. I must submit My greatest care (for in some meas- 
ure it has been a happiness to me) was to try by the greatest 
frugality to save something for my aged sisters & for my 
Nephews & nieces & even grand Nephews & Nieces — You my 
dear & worthy Mr. Furman are not altogether a stranger to 
all this, & more will be proved hereafter when my will comes to 
be opened — Mrs. Osbom & all her Children even the husbands of 
her children have partaken of my bounty as long as I can 
remember — even to the bringing them up at School in Eng- 
land, for which I paid hundreds Stg. & '°Mrs. Chevelier & hers 



90Mary, daughter of James Renaudet and Belitje Hooglandt, married 



100 The Letters of Mooee Furman 

have not 6een destitute of every aid I could give them since 
Mr. Chevelier's death. But this is foreign to the main purport 
of your last letter which recommends my selling the lands in 
Kayadarosaris Patent. I think the advice is Judicious & I 
observe what Mr. Palmer says on that subject add to these I 
am & as I said before quite disposed to sell them out of hand 
as soon as may be not only that I may be benefitted by the In- 
terest of the money resulting from such sales but principally 
that my executors may have no trouble with the lands & their 
division & likewise that my heirs may be immediately benefitted 
after my death — Thus then I do hereby agree to the sale of 
all my lands I possess in America & it is my request that you 
make use of the power I have heretofore given you of impower- 
ing Mr. Palmer to sell all such lands of mine & those bequeathed 
to me as are in the Kayadarosaris Patent & to put the money 
out at Interest in the Six Pr. Cent Stock in the Philadelphia 
funds where my other money is — And I will as soon as I can 
accomplish it send out a joint power of Attorney to enable my 
kind Friend Mr. Edgar and yourself to act for me in this & all 
other Matters & will likewise appoint you two sole Executors 
to my will which with the blessing of God I will have altered 
and drawn up in such a manner as will give my executors no 
trouble — Indeed from the nature of my affairs & what I am 
now saying thereon you will both see there can be no difficulties 
or scarce any trouble in acting as executors to my Will — not a 
fiftieth part as much as was to my Brothers or Sister B's. will, 
I trust in God you will not, neither of you refuse me this my 
dying request, to act as my executors. — I have much reason 
to believe, that neither you nor your Children, will be dissatis- 
fied with the tenor of my Will — It has long been a sore & 
affile Ling grievance to me that I have not, no not one Nephew 
worthy of this trust, which I now must implore you to take for 
their sakes, — I pray God long to preserve your present lives & 



March 16, 1759, to Peter Chevalier. He was the son of Peter Chevalier 
and Elizabeth, his wife, and was born March 25, 1730, and died November, 
1779. He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Phila- 
delphia, Pa., 1770. 

His children were: Isabella, born 1760, married George Turner; Peter 
Renaudet, born 1761, married Jane Harriet Lillie; James, born 1765; 
Susanna, born 1767, married Mr. Francis; Morris. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 101 

those of jour Children, I am with much love dear Mr. Furman, 
Your sincere & very affectionate uncle 

^^Peter Renaudet. 
I consulted our Friend Mr. Constable when in England about 
selling the lands, but he then thought it would be best to wait 
a year or two, the time is now come, when they will fetch as 
much as they ever will. — I shall never forget, with gratitude 
the great pains you have taken with my affairs ; and the Spurs 
you have given Mr. Palmer thereon. P. R. 

Trenton April 6th 1797. 
Dear Sir 

If you recollect I mentioned to you that I had wrote very 
fully to Doctor Renaudet respecting his Lands, etc. to which 
he has answered in two letters that came to hand this week and 
last coppies of which you have inclosed. 

^ yp tE- tp y^ ^ ^ 

Yours etc. 
M. Furman. 

My dear Mr. Furman, 

^ ^ si& ^ '3)& 4f& 4i& 

I have been confined to the house for good two months, which 
is generally the case in the winter. I am most truly concerned 

siPeter Renaudet was the son of 92James Renaudet, a Huguenot of 
Picardy, France, who fled from persecution first to England, and then to 
America. Dr. Renaudet went to England and lived at Hot Wells, Bristol, 
and was a successful surgeon. His niece, Mrs. Pierrepont, writes in one 
of her letters while visiting him: "His house was a great resort of literary 
persons, and he had letters constantly introducing strangers. Miss Hannah 
Moore was a constant visitor. She told mother 'The Shepard of Salisbury 
Plain' was the Rev. Sir James Stonehouse, who baptized Emily at Clifton." 
She also speaks of the ship Jupiter which, while bringing to his nieces in 
America a chest of costly and massive silver, struck an iceberg and 
was lost. 



92James Renaudet married Belitje Hooglandt at the Dutch Reformed 
Church, New York, Sept. 10, 1714, removed to Philadelphia in 1724, and 
was buried at Christ Church Jan. 11, 1753. 

His children were: Adrian, born 1715; Janeke, born 1717; Ann, born 
1718, married Townsend White; John R., born 1720; Peter; Mary, married 
Peter, son of Peter and Elizabeth Chevalier; Elizabeth, married James 

•UBraJiaag 



102 The Letters of Moore Furman 

that my beloved niece Mrs. Furman has such indifferent health ; 
I can feel for her as I have so much of it myself. It is a most 
pleasing account that you give of your charming boys, and of 
my beloved goddaughter. I feel a joy unspeakable, with grate- 
ful thanks to our merciful God who has blest one part of my 
family with such distinguished mercies and blessings as he has 
done yours, Mr. Edgar's and Constable. I pray God keep and 
preserve them in his fear and love, Amen. I am happy that 
good Mrs. Edgar is so kind and maternal to the dear children, 
I hope God will bless her. I do not touch on Politics or news, 
you hear it from every quarter. Your thrice worthy President 
General Washington is I see withdrawn from the anxious 
charge, I hope Mr. Adams will render my dear Country as 
happy as his predecessor has done. May the Almighty direct 
him and take you all under his protection. I am with love to 
you and yours and to all my relations in Philadelphia and New 
York, 

Dear Sir Your Affectionate Uncle 

Peter Renaudet. 

Hot Wells Feb. 3rd. 1797. 
My dear Sir, 

******* 

Much damage has been done to the Shipping in the Seas of 
late and you will have heard of the great disasters of the French 
Fleet and their miscarriage in landing in Ireland. The French 
however, to the great astonishment of all the world have most 
of them got safe back to Brest, and are preparing for a second 
invasion somewhere, would to God the Wars were over. I have 
been rendered very miserable by the frequent fires at N. York 
and lately at Phila. may Heaven protect you all. I long to 
know the issue of the new President, I pray God he may walk 
in the steps of the dear great Washington. 

With love to my Sisters and Mr. and Mrs. Constable etc. I 
remain dear sir Your affectionate Uncle etc. 

My health is very indifferent indeed. 

Trenton May 11th 1797. 
Dear Sir 

I have your favour of the 9th Instant covering a letter 



The Letters op Mooee Furman 103 

from ^^Mr. Palmer, a Mr. Hunt was going to Balls Town by 
whom I wrote a line advising him that I had wrote fully a few 
days before, which was not got to hand, when he gives an an- 
swer to that which I expect will be more fully descriptive of the 
Doctor's lands properly under his care, we can form a judgment 
what orders to give about the sale of it. I am glad to find 
that it will be likely to sell so readily and amount to so much 
money as it will enable the Doctor to live more to his mind and 
prevent his having any cause of complaint, and dissipate his 
fears lest he should break in upon his principle. 

But what is to become of his remittances from hence, will 
not bills be paid there in paper, and will not that paper be 
depreciated, but suppose Mr. ^^Duffield must remit this Spring 
and until he is forbid, for it being for his subsistence it must 
go on even if there should be a loss. 

By the latest accounts from Europe it appears to me that 
the British Government is tottering, and notwithstanding that 
many of our Politicians wish to lean upon it for assistance and 
support. Inclosed you have a coppy of ray letter of the 17th 
April to Mr. Palmer, hope he may receive the Original before 
he leaves home so that he may make a list of the Lands describ- 
ing them more particularly. 

I have thought it proper to give the Doctor, a line acknowl- 
edging the receipt of his letters, and I expect a Vessel may 
sail ere long from Philadelphia, by whom hope to be able to 
give him more particular accounts. I have wrote Mr. DufBeld 
that I think it best for him to forward the Doctor his Interest 
receivable in Philadelphia until he receives orders from him to 
the contrary, he must have it for his support even if he is 

93Mr. Palmer, doubtless a member of the prominent family in Saratoga 
County, New York, which came to that State and took possession of 
Palmer's Patent in early times. 

Elias Palmer of Stillwater was a member of the Assembly in 1792. 

George Palmer of the same place was a Presidential Elector in 1803, 
and Berriah Palmer of Ballston was a Representative in Congress in 1801. 

94John Duffield of Philadelphia, a merchant, married Mary , and 

died in Philadelphia March 25, 1803. 

He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and a well-known 
business man of his time. 

His children were: Richard; Julianna, married William Ross of Virginia; 
Eliza, married Richard Dennis of Savannah; John; James; Mary, married 
James Potter. 



104 The Letters of Moore Furman 



/ 



obliged to take it in paper and that depreciated. 
We are well and with due regard to you and yours 

Your most obedient Servant, 

M. Furman. 
P. S. You will please to send the Inclosed letters for the 
Doctor by first British Vessel, one sailed from Philadelphia this 
Spring but did not hear of her being bound there until too late. 

Trenton June 5 1797. 
Dear Sir, 

Your favor of the 2nd Inst: is to hand. It gives me con- 
cern that I cannot advise you of the carriage being finished, the 
undertakers plead in excuse for its not being done that one of 
their foremost Workmen has been home and under the Doctors 
hands for several Weeks, and that one of the partners in the 
business has lately taken to himself a wife at v,^hich time indul- 
gences has been granted in all ages of the world. They how- 
ever now assure me that they will exert themselves to have it 
done by this day two weeks, and I hope they will accomplish it. 

We shall be very happy to see you and Mrs. Edgar with 
your children & friends. Moore was out of his Apprenticeship 
in March, and not being engaged in business, and very desir- 
ous of rambling a little, steped on board of the Lamberton Brig 
Fame and is gone for Madeira, but John holds himself in readi- 
ness to Esquire the Ladies at a minutes warning. 

I observe what you say respecting the Doctor and wish we 
may be able to serve his Interest and at the same time please 
him too. it would give me great satisfaction to see his lands 
before they are sold, but dont expect I can make it any way 
convenient to go, nor would it perhaps pay the cost if I should, 
about his affairs we can make up our minds when I have the 
pleasure of seeing you here. 

Maria & John Joyn in love and Compliments to all. I am 
Yrs. in Sincerity 

M. Furman. 

Trenton July 1st 1797. 
Dear Sir 

Nothing, as you say, is certain, even the Ladies, the last and 
best of all God's works, sometimes rescind their resolutions, 
where then are we to look for permanency. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 105 

We have for some time been looking out for you daily, and 
at last hourly, and should have been happy to see you but find 
we shall not so soon as we had hoped, indeed the weather is now 
too warm to travel comfortably but that will begin to change 
soon, now however is the time for making the most agreeable 
use of the coachee, which will undoubtedly be put together in a. 
few days and be ready to travel next week could it stand a 
little for the paint and varnish to harden it would be the more 
lasting. How to waft it to you Is now the question; it would 
undoubtedly afford Maria and myself pleasure could we pay 
you a visit, but cannot now, and therefore must wait your or- 
ders respecting the forwarding of it ; You say you may be with 
us in the course of this month, if so should be glad to know 
about the time as I have eight or ten days work at Pittstown 
when I can the most conveniently leave home, where Maria also 
Mashes to go to see her old neighbors. Believe I can get a very 
careful person to run the carriage along for you if you have 
no better way. 

I wish Mr. Palmer would furnish a description of the Doc- 
tor's lands that I called for, this year's sales will be lost, ex- 
cept a few lots that will sell any time. Three pounds an acre 
is offered for one lott, but don't wish any orders for selling may 
be given untill the receipt of better information lest the best 
prices should not be obtained. From the accounts we have of 
the present state of the British Nation, I expect the supplies 
you give the Doctor, may be very acceptable, what will be the 
event now that France Spain and Holland can bend all their 
force against them? And what will be our fate, shall not we 
be ground hard between the Hither and Nither Millstone, its 
time for us to give up all foreign influence, be gratefull and 
just to all, and attentive to the Honour and Interest of our 
own Country. We congratulate you on the approaching Anni- 
versary of our Independence, may our Constitution be invul- 
nerable from the malice of its enemies, or eiTors of its friends. 
We are with love to all 

Yours sincerely 

M. Furman. 

Trenton July 17th 1797. 
Dear Sir, 

From the sufferings of my own Patience I judge of Mrs. 



106 The Letters of Mooee Fueman 

Edgar's, at last however, the carriage is compleated and Mr. 
Davis has taken it in charge who I am sure will pay every at- 
tention to deliver it safe. The carriage is of a dark colour and 
pointed with the same colour of the Box a la mode de Phila- 
delphia, the Box a shade darker than Patent Yallow, which is 
also the last taste and I think will stand better than the full 
Patent, I hope it may please, and I most sincerely wish you 
all, life and health to wear it and many more out. The Bill is 
inclosed, the money may be paid to Mr. Davis who will forward 
or bring it with him when he returns. 

Maria and John joins me in love to all. Moore may be for 
anything I know in a warm Goal, the Brig sailed 10th May, 
she was met about the 20th all well, since which have not heard 
of her, I see there is trouble for the Americans in those Seas 
as well as in the West Indias. 

I am dear Sir Yours sincerely. 

M. Furman. 



Trenton November 25th 1797. 



Dear Sir, 



Ere now you have seen the President's Speech, it is long but 
not in the style of his Predecessor, the conduct of France and 
Spain he condemns, but not a lisp of England. The present 
Congress of America is full of important business, indeed the 
whole world is full of important events, what Revolutions will 
the year 1800 produce. 

Winter seems to be setting in very early and but few ready 
for it, I hope Mrs. Edgar and family are well, all my children 
are with me this winter, in the Spring we begin to part for I 
wish to see them in a way of getting a living for themseh^es 
as soon as possible for I cannot be with them long. 

Our friend G. Davis has really had a painful time but is 
now considerably better, though from present appearances it 
don't look likely that he will be able to visit a neighbour before 
Spring. 

I am with the most sincere respect for you 

Your obliged Servant 

M. Furman. 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 107 

Trenton 25th Feb. 1798. 
Dear Sir 

Providence having thought proper to take from me the 
partner of my pleasure and pain, I now seem to stand single 
again in the world only on account of my children who I wish 
to provide for as well as my circumstances will allow. John 
the youngest will be twenty next month, he is now at Pitts 
Town where he is now employing himself in the Mills, etc. in 
order to get a knowledge of them and the other works there 
sufficient to prevent his being imposed upon by those he em- 
ploys in repairing, and after they fall into his hands Avhich I 
mean they shall do when convenient to me, that is when they 
have finished their part towards supporting me while I remain 
in this life, for I mean not to put myself on the Mercy of my 
Children, it being more proper that my children should rest on 
my mercy. 

Moore seems rather inclined to make another voyage in the 
Brig than set down to anything on shore, when he is tired of 
roving then he must choose a place for himself where to rest, 
it is not determined yet where she will go, I rather think at 
present to Madeira again. 

Maria desires me to assure you of the grateful remembrance 
she hopes she will always have of your attention and care of 
her, and of the affection she hopes and believes you have for 
her; it is but a few days since it has been agreed that she 
would marry Col. ^^Peter Hunt, a young man who has been 
brought up in my family, and who by his attention to busi- 
ness, with my assistance, has made a little money, which with 
what I shall endeavour to add will put them in a middle sta- 
tion, "behind the foremost and before the last." 



ssPeter Hunt, son of James Hunt and Jemima Green, was born January 
27, 1768, married Maria, daughter of Moore Furman and Sarah White, his 
wife, in 1798, and died November 8, 1816. He was a large merchant in 
Trenton and owned warehouses in Lamberton, when it was the depot for 
trade of Trenton. He was a Trustee of the First Prebyterian Church of 
Trenton and was well known for his philanthropy and hospitality. He was 
appointed Adjutant General of the State of New Jersey Nov. 29, 1804. He 
died at Charleston, S. C, where he was residing for his health, and was 
buried there with military honors. 

His children were: Sarah Ann, d. y.; Maria, d. y.; Susannah Matilda, 
d. y. ; Furman, d. y.; Peter, d. y. ; William Edgar. 



108 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Maria is cautious and prudent, and her choice sober, judi- 
cious and attentive to business, so that I think there is prospect 
of their living in a respectable and comfortable style. This 
matter has been talked of some time I expect, but you have 
the first official account of its being consented on my part. A 
house is taken at Lamberton, where Maria expects to settle, 
and where she hopes to see you, her Aunt Edgar, and her dear 
cousins next Summer; she hopes you will forgive her for her 
silence on this occasion when she assures you there is no friend 
on earth she would be happier to consult upon any important 
accasion. 

Indeed, my dear sir I begin to be alarmed for the fate of 
our country, what scandalous behavior in the Council of the 
Nations. What parties, what appointments of Offices from 
particular parties is taking place, a dark prospect before us, 
but trust in God for in him is our hope. 

Moore and Maria joyns me in best wishes for you all. 
I am your obliged Friend and Servant 

M. Furman. 

Trenton April 4th 1798. 
Dear Sir, 

This will be handed to you by my good old neighbour ®^Col- 
lins now a citizen of N. York, the purport of it is to inform 
you that I have sold my house for $10,000 and conveyed it to 



96lsaac Collins, son of Charles Collins and Sarah Hammond, his wife, was 
born in 1746 in Delaware, married (1) Rachel, daughter of Thomas and 
Rebecca Budd, and (2) Deborah, daughter of Margaret Morris. 

He was one of the prominent men of New Jersey, being the first "printer 
to the King's most excellent Majesty for the Province of New Jersey, 
1775." He was the first to publish an American edition of the Bible and 
was greatly interested in literary and educational work in the young Re- 
public. He removed from Burlington, N. J., in 1778 to Trenton, where 
he was one of the founders of the Trenton Academy; thence he removed 
to New York City. He published the first newspaper in New Jersey, De- 
cember 8, 1777, at Burlington. 

His children were: Rebecca, born 1772, married Stephen Grellet, a 
former member of the Body Guard of Louis XVI; Charles, born 1774 
married Margaret Bullock; Sarah, born 1775, married Nathaniel Hawx- 
hurst; Elizabeth, born 1776, married Robert Pearsall; Rachel, born 1777, 
died young; Thomas, born 1779, married Ann Abbott; Susanna, born 1781, 
married Richard Morris Smith; William, born 1782, married Ann New- 
bold Bispham, widow of Stacy Budd Bispham; Benjamin Say, born 1784,, 



The Letters of Mooee Fukman 109 

our present ^^Govemour and to his successors forever, that 
Maria was married this day week, moved to Lamberton on 
Monday, that I am moving in the Storm to a new house, a few 
doors to the westward of the house I sold, and that the Gover- 
nour is fixing himself and family in the Government house. I 
mean to remain this year and next to remove to Lamberton 
where I shall attempt to build another house for Maria to 
live in. I have rented a pretty good house though not so 
large as the one I left, and Maria is also in a tolerable one 
beautifully situated, at either of which you and family will be 
welcome while they are possessed by us. 

I am with sincere regard Your obliged Servant 

M. Furman. 

P. S. I beg leave to recommend Mr. Collins to yoirr notice 
for an honest man and good citizen, having had a long tryal 
of him. 

Trenton July 24th 1798. 
Dear Sir 

I have to acknowledge your favours of 28th past and 6th 
Instant with the safe arrival of the tea which is well approved. 

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -s^ 

Congress has rose, left power in the hands of the President, 
who has sent out armed vessels made reprisals and in fact 
opened the Ball. Where these things will end its not for man 
to say, but I fear not favorably for America, what a change 
in the sentiments of our great men, I cannot account for the 
Policy of it in any way whatever, I wish they may be able 
to do it. 

We are all well, every comfort attend you all 

I am yours etc. etc. 

M. Furman. 

I wish to write to the Doctor when an opportunity oifers. 



married Hannah Bowne; Anna Say, born 1786, unmarried; Isaac, born 
1787, married (1) Margaret Morris, (2) Rebecca Singer; Mary, born 
1789, married Isaac T. Longstreth; Stacy Budd, born 1791, married (1) 
Mary E. Dudley, (2) Hannah West Jenks; Joseph Budd, born 1794, mar- 
ried Sarah Minturn. 

STRichard Howell, son of Ebenezer Howell, whose parents came from 
Wales, was born at Newark, Del., October 25, 1754, married Keziah Burr, 



110 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Trenton Sept. 3rd. 1798. 
Dear Sir, 

Accounts of the fever in New York have until today been 
various and contradictory, but now it is confirmed to be very 
prevaihng there. In Philadelphia it is worse at this time than 
it was at any time in '93 or '97, so that if it continues to in- 
crease the City must ere long depopulate, the Inhabitants here 
and I believe everywhere, are doing all they can to accommo- 
date those that have come out and hope they will all find shel- 
ter until they can return again with safety which I don't 
expect will be before November. What a dreadfull calamity 
this in our country. 

Should you quit the City and it be convenient to come here 
as any other place we will certainly do everything in our power 
to accomodate you and family being with the greatest love 
for you all, 

Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 

Trenton Sept. 12th '98. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 5th and am happy to hear you 
think yourself and family in so little danger of the epidemick 
that is near you, and we are told spreading; it is increasing 
fast at Philadelphia and down the Delaware on both sides 
wherever the Inhabitants fly, none of the Inhabitants among 
whom they go, that I have heard of take it, one or two in- 



daugher of Joseph Burr of Burlington, and died near Trenton, N. J., 
May 5, 1803. 

He was educated at Newcastle until fifteen years old, when his family 
moved to Cumberland County, N. J. While there he studied law, but 
was chiefly celebrated for being a member of the small party who broke 
into a store house at Newcastle, N. J., November, 1774, and took out the 
tea and burned it. In 1775 he was appointed an officer in a company of 
infantry and commissioned captain of the Second Regiment of the Con- 
tinental troops of New Jersey. In December of the same year he served 
at Ticonderoga and Quebec, but resigned in 1778. He was especially 
appointed by Washington on secret business and was accused of treason. 
He produced his orders from Washington and was accordingly acquitted. 
In 1780 he was appointed Clerk of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and 
in 1793 elected Governor of the State. 

He had nine children: Richard, born 1794; William, Franklin; Sarah Burr 
married James Agnew; Beulah married John L. Glaser. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 111 

stances excepted, which is a very favorable circumstance, for 
your own sake and for your family do not tarry in the city 
too long, as you have a retreat so near had you not better 
retire to it and tarry until you can return with safety? 

I expect you have heard from the Doctor, I have a letter 
dated 1st June wrote in the old Stile, by Capt, Phelps in the 
Betsey that lately arrived in the Delaware, Vessels now stop at 
Chester where the custom house is removed to, from whence the 
collector has applied for liberty to the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, who lodges with me, to remove having lost two of the 
officers of the Customs, and it goes to New Castle. God only 
knows the cause & end of all these things. In haste. Love to 
all. Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 

Trenton November 1st 1798. 
Dear Sir, 

I have not had a line from you since you left the City and 
therefore conclude all is well with you. ^*Mr. Rutherfoord 
has such favorable accounts from his friends that he sets out 
to-morrow morning and hope he may find all things agreable 
to his wishes. The Philadelphians begin to return from hence 
on Monday last, and if the weather continues cold expect the 
Inhabitants of Philadelphia will be generally returned into 
the City in all next week, which will make their absence near 
three months, an irreparable loss to those who depend on their 
daily labour for the support of their families. I have a letter 
from the Doctor in which he desires me to go to Philadelphia 
and sell 6 per cents and buy in redeemable Stock, but I cant 



98Walter Rutherford, son of Sir John Rutherford and Elizabeth Cairn- 
cross, of Scotland, was born Dec. 29, 1723, married Dec. 21, 1758, to 
Catherine Alexander Parker, daughter of James Alexander and Mary 
Spratt Provoost and widow of Elisha Parker, and died Jan. 10, 1804. 

Mr. Rutherford was not in sympathy with the position taken by the 
Mother Country at the beginning of the Revolution, but for twenty years 
ue had been fighting under the British flag and could not now fire upon it. 
He retired to Trenton, N. J., but was summoned before a committee of 
safety, where he refused to take the oath of allegiance. He was sent to 
Morristown as a prisoner, where he remained some time. After the war 
he became active and prominent and was for years president of the 
St. Andrews Society and the Agricultural Society. 

His children were: John (see page 117), James Alexander, died 
young; Mary, born Nov. 14, 1767, married Gen. Mathew Clarkson. 



112 The Letters of Moore Furman 

go into the City for a while, nor is it a good thing to sell out 
at present, praj can any thing be done to his advantage in N. 
York in that way, you will think on it when you get into the 
City and business gets arranged. 

Well we are told that nothing but war will preserve us from 
becoming tributary to France, if we are to believe they have 
any truth in them at all their late language dont look like a 
wish to break with us, and I cant help yet hoping there will 
be a stop put to the dispute ere it comes to that. 

With best wishes for you and yours, 

I am etc. 

M. Furman. 

P. S. Will there be any vessel for Bristol this fall, I sup- 
pose there will be a convoy. 

Trenton Jan. 14th 1799. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 8th Instant and must acknowledge 
being in arrears for the Tea which was by no means intended 
nor would it have happened had not the winter set in so early 
which prevented the country stores from receiving in produce 
and forwarding it to Market, but Col. Hunt is now forward- 
ing some property to your city as the Navigation is shut at 
Philadelphia and hope he will have enough there soon to make 
you whole, I was mistaken in supposing the tea was your own 
property in which case an interest would have been thankfully 
paid you for the time after due, but your being obliged to 
advance the money for us is what we must beg absolution for, 
besides paying you the damages. 

******* 

There being so much reason to dread a return of the fever 
in the Seaports again you must be right in purchasing a re- 
treat where I hope you and family may be safe from all such 
disorders, I suppose it to be near the North River that you 
may have water carriage to and from it as I apprehend the 
roads must be rough a part of the way, be assured I shall 
have peculiar pleasure in paying you and family a visit there 
next summer if I can; if I should go to Albany it will be in 
the way. 

Yes my dear Sir, our National affairs appears strange to 
me, kind Heaven grant our Constitution may be preserved 



The Letters of Moore Furman 113 

I am in as good health as I can reasonably expect, Maria, 
and our Country kept out of wars which is productive of so 
many evils. 

the Col. and John are also well, but where or in what condition 
poor Moore and "^Capt. Hunt is in we know not, they were first 
taken by the French near Madeira, retaken by the British and 
carried to Lisbon, there ransomed and sailed again for Ma- 
deira, then taken again by the French and carried into Spain, 
from whence we received letters from them dated the latter 
end of September, since which have no account from or of them 
so that I fear they are bad enough off, they did not complain 
of any personal bad treatment, they was in hopes of saving 
the Brig in which they could get freight for America, but I 
fear for them. 

We all joyn in best regards for yourself Mrs. Edgar and 
your children. 

Yours most sincerely 

M. Furman. 

Trenton Jan. 21st. 1799. 



Dear Sir, 



* 



Letters from Capt. Hunt and Moore advise us that the 
Cargo is condemned, but the freight ordered to be paid, that 
they mean to lay it out in Salt sufficient for ballast, and Wines, 
and take in freight to fill up (which is offered) and take an- 
other chance for Philadelphia or N. York, in the run she wiU 
stand the greatest fear of the British our Offensive and De- 
fensive Ally. 

I had the honour sir of entertaining Mr. Washington in 



99James Hunt, son of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife, was 
born May 19, 1739, married March 27, 1760; Jemima Green, daughter of 
Joseph Green and Elizabeth Marchand, his wife, and died in Hopewell, 
N. J., May 12, 1832. 

He served through the war of the Revolution as Captain and Conductor 
of Team Brigade and spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. After 
the war he was associated with Moore Furman in business and owned the 
brig Fame, which he sailed himself to foreign ports. 

His children were: Joseph, Nancy, Peter, died young; Dora, Elijah, 
Peter, James Wilson; Jonathan married Miss Parks; Elizabeth married 
Thomas Cox; Susan married John S. Blackwell; Rhoda married David 
IMount; Jemima married Jonathan Blackwell, and Nancy. 



114 The Letters of Moore Furman 

my house during the time the Department was here, I accomo- 
dated him, and his lady and family for a few days as well as 
in my power, with which, I believe he was well satisfied, and if a 
Statesman's tongue can speak the sentiments of the heart, be- 
Heve he will do me any friendly service it is proper for me to 
ask of him. 

?p vR^ ^ V V *P? 

Your obliged humble servant, 

M. Furman. 



Trenton February 12th 1799. 
Dear Sir, 

fifL flf. ,*]f, -'I' t^- -'fc, A. 

vpr "ff! Tf* yp yi* ^ n* 

Yes sir the little Brig has returned after a great variety of 
fortune, and if she can square the yards the owners may think 
themselves well off, I expect she will be sold, it is too difficult 
times for those that don't live at the fountain head to own 
vessels at present. 

We are well, I am with sincere regards for all yours, 

Your obliged humble servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton, February 28th 1800. 
Dear Sir, 

I have taken the liberty to trouble you by way of enquiring 
after the welfare of yourself and family (altho' I wrote you 
last) as I have ever since my first acquaintance with you had 
the greatest reason and desire to merit your esteem and friend- 
ship. I am happy to inform you that Mr. Furman, Mrs. 
Hunt and our little girl are in perfect health. Sally Ann our 
little one is and has been very healthy and active she begins 
to walk and to speak some words, I have nothing new to com- 
municate from this part of the country nor have our newsmen 
much, and my wish is that the next may come favorable from 
France that some of our fiery Jerseymen may not have the 
pleasure of fighting them or rather being paid for it, from the 
best comparisons that I can make I find that those who would 
not feel any loss (for they have nothing to lose) are the 
greatest partisans for war, I hope with the assistance of provi- 
dence they may be disappointed, Mrs. Hunt joyns me with 



The Lettees of Mooee Fueman 115 

her best respects to Mrs. Edgar and her cousins. I am dear 
Sir 

Yr. M. H. Servant. 

Peter Hunt. 

Lamberton March 24th 1799. 
Dear Sir, 

Agreeably to your kind desire I have now the pleasure to 
inform you that yesterday morning Maria presented the Col. 
with a clever little plump girl, and that they are not only as 
well, but even better than could be expected. Maria desires 
her gratefull and best wishes may attend you, Mrs. Edgar and 
her dear cousins. 

I wrote you a few days ago and forwarded the Scrips which 
hope arrived safe, as the price of them seems rather on the de- 
cline at present (though have no doubt of their looking up 
again) if they will command 25 per cent advance, we shall be 
content. 

I am with great regard 

Dear Sir 

Your most obedient 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton March 31st 1800. 
Dear Sir, 

I have seen the owner of the Horse, he is clever and the 
owner intends if he can any way conveniently ride him to N. 
York in April, when it can be known with certainty whether 
he will match yours or not. I would take him but fear he 
will not match so well as you wish. 

Yes my dear sir I think our Nation is in a fair way of having 
the laws righteously administered and the Constitution pre- 
served, but the Citizens must not sleep, though much has been 
done, there is more to do, our State is not yet sufficiently 
purged, our Legislature has not at present a majority of 
Whigs, but I trust will the next choice, and you want a re- 
publican governor, both which hope we shall get the next 
election, it is rumoured that there is great trouble in the Brit- 
ish Government if every kind of wickedness and deception will 
bring it on it will be their lot. a change of Ministry seems 



116 The Lettees of Moore Furman 

however to portend peace, that is general forerunner of it 
with that Nation. Heaven send it. We wish you good health 
which we at present enjoy. I am truly yours 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton November 25th 1800. 
Dear Sir, 

Present appearances are that winter is set in, I hope there- 
fore that you and family are now snug in the City. 

For some months to come our chief entertainment will be 
politicks, and violent efforts will be made by each party to 
gain their point, no matter whether true or false if it will but 
gain a vote, on reflection, however, I tliink it clear that the 
Feds, and Tories has distanced the Repns. in deception and 
lies, which I hope, as it generally does, will leave them the dirt. 
As to our small state it is at present totally governed by the 
Lawyers and old tories, not but that I really believe there is a 
majority of for the rep. ticket at this moment, but they really 
seem blind to their danger, though to me it is so visable and 
near if not warded off by Him who governs in earth as well as 
in Heaven, never was persecution more plain in the hearts of 
any set of people then in a majority of our Legislature, their 
actions shew it ; They have discharged persons holding ap- 
pointments for not thinking as they do, and acting as they 
would have them, and repealed a necessary law for the purpose 
of sending a favorite to Congress, a Majority of Electors are 
a Judge, and Lawyers, and three out of five of their ticket for 
Congress are Lawyers, one of which is mouthpiece for the 
whole, and I would venture an even bet that not one of the 
other four vote against him during the session of Congress. 

Pennsylvania seems if possible to be worse beset than we are 
a Majority of two persons disorganises the whole State, our 
publick affairs appear dark at present, Good Lord deliver us. 
I should not be surprised if by and bye it should be suspected 
on good grounds that British gold has been handled among 
us, some that I never saw so busy before are now very active. 
I suppose a packet has or will sail soon and that you will 
write to the Doctor. I have nothing to say but best wishes 
attend him, you will do the needfull. A man called here a 
few days ago to inquire about a lot said to belong to Mrs. 
Chevalier, he informed me that Mr. Baldwin would be down 



The Letters of Moore Furman 117 

soon I hope he has been down, or will soon, he said a good deal 
about his money when he purchased but I don't see it. We 
are all well here, and I am with the greatest regard for you 
and yours etc. 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton January 5th 1801. 
Dear Sir, 

I now congratulate you with the compliments of the Sea- 
son, and hope good Mrs. Edgar and children are well. 

******* 

Last week I had the honour and pleasure of being introduced 
to the great little Mr. Burr at our friend ^''"Mr. Rutherfurd's. 
I think him not quite so large a man as Mr. Hamilton, but 
believe him to be a better man, his life and conversation will I 
think justify me in that belief, I can now sleep sound on the 
score of President and vice President, for let Congress place 
them as they please, I have not a doubt but they will keep up 
a good understanding between themselves, and exert all their 
understandings and abilities for the general good of the Na- 
tion. I feel a pleasure in having seen and conversed with Mr. 
Burr having had some knowledge of ^''^his father the short time 
he was president of Princeton College, heard him preach in 



loojohn Rutherford, son of Walter Rutherford and Catherine Alexander 
Parker, his wife, was born Sept. 20, 1760, married, 1782, Helena, daughter 
of Lewis Morris and Mary Walton, his wife, and died at Rutherford, 
N. J., Feb. 23, 1840. 

He was graduated from the College of New Jersey, 1776, and studied 
law in the office of Richard Stockton. In 1784 moved to New York, but in 
1787 he returned to New Jersey and became one of its foremost promoters 
of the public good, living in Trenton until 1808. He was Presidential 
Elector in 1798, 1813-1821. He was elected a member of the U. S. Senate 
1791-98. He was President of the Board of Proprietors of East Jersey 
1804 and Surveyor-General. In 1798 he resigned from the Senate and gave 
his time to the administration of private affairs and went deeply into 
scientific agriculture. 

His children were: Robert Walter, born 1788, married Sabina, daughter 
of Col. Lewis Morris; John, died young; Mary Catherine, died young; 
Helena, born 1790, married Peter Gerard Stuyvesant; Louisa, born 1792; 
Anna, born 1794, married John Watts; Susan, died young. 

lOiAaron Burr, born at Fairfield, Conn., Jan. 4, 1716, married in 1753 to 
Esther, daughter of Jonathan Edwards and died Sept. 24, 1757. 

He graduated from Yale 1736 and studied Theology, and at the age of 



118 The Letters of Moore Furman 

the College Hall and soon after attended his funeral. I be- 
lieve he did not live quite a year in that station. 

In all the political aiFairs I have ever been concerned in I 
never was so much mortified, (put all together) as I have been 
within a few months past, but thank God I am pretty well re- 
covered again. Great pains having been taken by our fellow 
citizens in different offices to poison the minds of the people, 
until a majority of Feds, was got in both houses, they went on 
Jehu like. They made altered and repealed laws to answer 
particular purposes, and refused to reappoint military and 
Civil officers in rotation that was agreeable to their fellow 
citizens, and appointed those that were not, in short the 
Speaker declared in publick that no man but a Federalist 
should have an appointment during the sitting, that they had 
got the Republicans under or down, and that they would keep 
them so. Inumerating all their exploits would be too much 
for a letter, therefore shall only say further at present that 
the Republicans have awoke and beat them on their own 
grounds, and refer you for further particulars to John, who 
I can assure you is a staunch Republican and has been active 
in the Cause, and to the ^°^ Aurora who gives us a lift now and 
then. We now send five good Republicans members to Con- 
gress. Our old Treasurer ^''^Mr. Mott is a heart Oak, and the 



22 became Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Newark, N. J. He also 
established a school for boys and was successful, winning a wide reputa- 
tion for scholarship. In 1748 he became President of the College of New 
Jersey, and in 1754 removed from Newark to Princeton, N. J. He laid 
the foundation for the future prosperity of the College, but as he kept 
his church also his useful life came to an early end trom overwork. 

His children were: Sarah married Tappan Reeves of Litchfield, Conn.; 
Aaron married Theodosia StiUwell Provoost, (2d) Madam Jummel. 

i02William Duane, Editor of "The Aurora," was born May 7, 1760, mar- 
ried Margaret Markoe, widow of Benjamin Franklin Bache. He was the 
political power of Pennsylvania by means of his paper and wielded influ- 
ence over the adjoining states. 

His children were: Elizabeth, Sidney, Edward Markoe, Anastasia, Mar- 
garet Markoe, Emma. 

losjames Mott was the son of James Mott, who was born 1707, married 
(1st) Mary Holmes 1751, (2d) Amy Herbert in 1752, and died Monmouth 
County, N. J. 

He was State Treasurer of New Jersey, 1799-1803; one of the commis- 
sioners for purchasing a Gubernatorial Mansion, 1798, and a Representa- 
tive to Congress and a Presidential Elector in 1805. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 119 

other four steady firm men. Believe me to be with all possible 
regard for you and yours Your much obliged 

humble servant 

M. Furman. 
P. S. We are about to get a Rep. Printer here, which we 
think will be of great use in our Election next Oct. for State 
Leg. 

Lamberton March 2nd 1801. 
Dear Sir, 

Mr. Burr is gone to his post in which I hope he will be a 
terror to evil doers and a praise to them that do well. 

With what confidence does the feds, dictate to the President, 
they must not be turned out of office act ever so unwisely and 
instead of their acting with prudence so as to reconcile Gov- 
ernment and engage it towards them in future, they seem to 
be doing everything to irritate and offend them. I hope, how- 
ever all they can say or do will not turn them aside from their 
duty, so that even their enemies may not be able to find just 
cause of offence. 

I hope the next Fall election of our Legislature will deliver 
Jersey out of the hands and power of the Federalists, the pres- 
ent two senators are feds, but the five representatives to Con- 
gress are Repns. and have not a doubt but that a majority of 
the Council and Assembly will be repns. also for the People's 
eyes are opening and I hope will keep open here after. I fear 
the British intends to give us trouble, will not the victories 
gained by France over the Austrian army opperate in our f,a- 
vour.P Best regards for you all. 

Yours affly M. Furman. 

Lamberton August 6th 1801. 
Dear Sir, 

^ yfT Tp Tt< Tp vpr 

The President and Secretary has left headquarters the 
paper tells us, and the Vice-president is gone there to take 
his turn, when I applied through you to offer my service as 
Marshal of this State, it was as much to gratify some of my 
friends as myself, after I mentioned it to you, I heard of two 
or three good Republicans, who deserves well of their Country, 



120 The Letters of Moore Furman 

that were making application by getting recommended by the 
representative from this state and county, that being the 
case, I concluded to let my application rest upon what was 
said to you by the Vice, and if I were appointed, endeavour to 
act so as to merit approbation, not doubting but either of the 
other candidates would do the same ; it is said here that ^"^Gen. 
Heard is to be Marshal, he is a good republican, was very 
active all the war and full as capable of executing the office as 
any that are named. I mention these things to you that you 
may know the true state of the business, however it may end I 
am bound to thank you for the application to Mr. Burr, and 
him for his willingness to grant it. We, as the President tells 
us, cannot see all the grounds and therefore cannot judge so 
properly as those that do. 

We shall have a warm election in October in Jersey, but 
don't entertain a doubt but there will be a majority of the 
right sort. 

I should be glad to spend a week at your farm this month 
but don't think it probable, I have been engaged to fix John 
and his partner at Pittstown for two or three months, and 
must be with them there some time before cold weather, which 
will be pretty soon. Thank kind Heaven we are all well here 
and hope you and good family may enjoy every pleasure at the 
Farm, accompanied with thankful hearts. 

Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 



ifMNathaniel Heard, born at Woodbridge, N. J.; married Feb. 14, 1753, 
Mary Ford, and died Oct. 28, 179i. 

He was commissioned Colonel of New Jersey Militia, November, 1775, 
and Brigadier General from Feb. 1, 1777, to the close of the war. He was 
a member of the Committee of Observation of Woodbridge 1775, delegate to 
the Provincial Congress in May, 1775, and was a distinguished figure 
through the Revolution. He was sent to disarm the Tories of Queens 
County, Long Island, which he promptly did. He was indefatigable, but 
was reported as treating the inhabitants with the utmost humanity. In 
February, 1776, Congress ordered him to take 700 troops and hold Staten 
Island. He was entirely successful, as he was when entrusted with the 
delicate task of arresting Governor Franklin. After the Revolution he was 
appointed Marshal of New Jersey, and the Collector of the Customs at 
Amboy, 1802 to 1806. 

His children were John, who married a daughter of Samuel Sargent; 
James, who married a daughter of Gen. Daniel Morgan; Phebe, Elizabeth, 
who married Jacob Van Home; Mary, Sarah and William. 



Dear Sir, 



The Letters of Moore Furman 121 

Lamberton August 21st 1801. 



I do not grudge but rejoice at your present healthy situ- 
ation in the country and hope nothing will prevent your family 
from enjoying it, many things conspire to prevent my spending 
a week with you, may health and pleasure attend you all. 

Early in October comes on our State Election, we do not 
fear a majority in both houses though a doubt remains respect- 
ing the Council, a push was lately made at one of the Repn. 
Presses of this State, but they did not succeed ; all will come 
right by and bye. Jefferson and Burr will put the disordered 
Constitution in proper motion by and bye. 

With sincere love and best wishes for you all 

I am yours 
M. Furman. 

Lamberton January 28th 1802. 

Dear Sir, 

******* 

Well my dear Sir, does the publick Machine move to your 
liking.? The Judiciary was treated but indifferently by a 
Member from your state, but was ably met, but it is gone, and 
I hope, never to return. You'll see a small arbitrary push 
made on your side of our state, but it did not succeed. I 
mean respecting the Clerk's office in Essex county at Elizabeth. 

I hope nothing will prevent peace taking place thro' out 
the world, and that the inhabitants thereof will learn and 
practice Virture, Industry and frugality which is the most 
rational way to happiness here and hereafter. 

May the present and succeeding years bring every comfort 
to you and yours. 

We all joyn in best regards, 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton October 18th 1802. 
Dear Sir, 

By this time I expect you and your good family are re- 
turned to the city or on the wing coming there. Maria has a 
late letter from the Doctor he is well and lively, but expect 
you hear from him more frequently than we do. 



122 The Letters of Moore Furman 

I have been waiting and wishing to hear from you, our Feds 
in Jersey have made a secret and violent push this election 
and have gained a Httle ground in some places, but hppe when 
the Legislature meets they will not have a majority that will 
admit of their superceding our governor etc, two or three 
weeks will discover these things. I am waiting, I can't say 
with patience, to be able to form some judgement respecting 
the conduct of Mr. Burr, pray inform me what is the opinion 
of those who have a knowledge of the business. Believe I 
mentioned to you that Col. Hunt and myself were invited to a 
dinner last year when Mr. Burr was there, the party consisted 
of gentlemen that were so different in sentiments that Col. H. 
and myself could not account for the cause that made Mr. R. 
to make such a collection ; but the matter seems to be opening 
now so as to account for it ; if what is now publishing is true, 
and it seems to carry the marks of fact, what unaccountable 
beings is the human race, and who that is seventy but must 
rejoice that he is near making his escape from among them. 

The fever having abated at Philadelphia so far that those 
who removed out are returning, in the course of a few days 
more I expect all will be gone from this place and Trenton etc. 
three or four have died with the fever near us at Lamberton, 
supposed to be brought from Philadelphia by a Philadelphian. 
But all the inhabitants are well now and I hope will con- 
tinue so. 

Mr. A. Hunt^**^ lost a son last week, he has been unwell for 
some time and died very suddenly, he was as well as usual and 
a corpse in a quarter of an hour. He was the flower of the 
family. All of us join in wishing you and yours health and 
long life. 

I am your affectionate etc. 

obliged servant 
M. Furman. 



losAbraham Hunt, son of Wilson Hunt and Susanna Price, his wife, was 
born in 1740; married (1st) Theodosia, daughter of Robert Pearson and 
Mary Coale, his wife; (2d) Mary Dagworthy, and died in 1821. He was a 
prominent and opulent merchant in Trenton, N. J., and at one time a part- 
ner of Moore Furman. In 1774 a member of the Standing Committee of Cor- 
respondence, and in October, 1775, he was appointed Commissioner for the 
Western division to purchase for the Province ammunition, arms and all 
military necessities. He was Lieutenant Colonel in the First Regiment of 



The Letters of Moore Furman 123 

Lamberton December 16th 1802. 
Dear Sir, 

Believe this is my third since I had the pleasure of a line 
from you, and as we began to grow uneasy until I saw your 
name among the Directors of the Manhattan Bank, and then I 
concluded you were in the land of the living and the place of 
hope. 

I have not been so well as usual for some time past, or 
beheve I should have paid you a visit for a day or two after 
your retreat from the country, a few days conversation with 
you and your good family in your Hospitable dwelling would 
have been a very agreeable change from my cottage, and had a 
good effect upon my health and spirits, but I must put it off 
until a more convenient season. 

Having the good opportunity of Mr. Rutherfurd I forward 
the papers of the Doctor lest you may want them, I have not 
had a line from the doctor since September, when he was well 
and did not complain much. I hope Mr. Baldwin has paid up 
so that his remittances has increased which seem generally to 
please the Doctor. 

You see by the papers the situation our poor little State is 



Hunterdon County in 1776 and clerk of the Board of Justices in 1776-1777. 
On the memorable night of the Battle of Trenton, he entertained Col. 
Rahl so successfully that when the call came to arms the officer was not fit 
to take command. This action of Mr. Hunt in extending his hospitality to 
an enemy has in modern times laid him open to charges of disloyalty, but 
that the remotest thought of such a construction of his act had not crossed 
the minds of his contemporaries is positively proved by a paper in the pos- 
session of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Dated in 1777, it is an 
order to Col. Hunt to take charge of the removal from Philadelphia of the 
papers and monies of the Continental Congress upon the approach of the 
British. 

He was Postmaster of the town for several years after the war, commis- 
sioned by Benjamin Franklin; was a founder of the Trenton Academy, the 
first Fire Company, and from 1805-31 director of the Trenton Banking Co.; 
for fifty-seven years trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and in 1792 
Alderman. 

His children were: Pearson, married Rachel Higbee; Wilson, died 
young; Abram, died young; Robert, died unmarried; Philemon, died young; 
Theodore married Ann Lucas; John Wesley married Catherine Gross; 
Theodosia, died young. 

By his second wife he had Charles Dagworthy, died young, and Henrietta, 
'died young. 



124 The Letters of Moore Furman 

in, and how the parties act their parts. I hope the Dems. will 
be more active and better prepared for the next election, will 
Pains pubHcations add to the number of Republicans? What 
or how does our Vice get along in the opinion of the publick, is 
the charges against him calumny or truth? The Senate is 
long making a house which keeps back the communication. 

We are all so so, and wish you all health and happiness 
through the coming joyfull season. 

1 am your most Affectionate 

servant etc. 
M. Furman. 

Lamberton, July 5th 1803. 
Dear Sir, 

I have neglected returning the inclosed letter too long but 
hope it will be no injury. I received a line some days ago 
from Aunt Osborne and took the liberty of informing her 
that her bill on you, and also Aunt Chevalier's would be paid 
on sight. 

Well my good sir what will, what can the enemies of our 
Jefferson find more to say against him, "^Mr. Galatin, ^'"Mr. 

loeAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin, son of Jean Gallatin and Sophia 
Albertine Rolaz, his wife, was born in 1761, married in 1789 (1) Sophia AI- 
legre, by whom he had no children; (2) Hannah, daughter of Commodore 
James Nicholson of Maryland, and Frances Witter, his wife. He was 
graduated from the University of Geneva, and shortly after sailed for 
America. He went to Philadelphia about 1789, and from there went into 
Virginia for the purpose of developing new lands. 

He had a crowded career as a public man and a very distinguished 
reputation. The most important office he held was Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, 1801. He also acted in the Diplomatic Service as Minister to France, 
1816, and Minister to London, 1826. He lived for a while at Friendship 
Hill, Uniontown, Pa. He moved from there to New York. He was 
President of the National Bank, and also of the New York Historical So- 
ciety. He was a fine scholar and published many articles on financial sub- 
jects. 

His children were: James, born 1796, married M. J. G. Pascault; Albert 
Rolaz, born 1800, married M. L. Stevens ; Frances, born 1802, married B. K. 
Stevens. 

lo^Peter Jay Munro, son of Rev. Henry Munro of Scotland and Eve, 
daughter of Peter Jay, was born at Rye, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1767, married Mar- 
garet, daughter of the Hon. Henry White and Eve Van Courtlandt, his 
wife, and died at Mamaroneck, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1833. 

Peter Munro was educated in New York until he was 13, when he accom- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 125 

Munro and others of our present publick servants, are they 
not hkely to make all things fit together that not long since 
appeared as if they would puzzle a conjuror. From what I 
see I expect we are to have a free navigation of the Missis- 
sippi, New Orleans, and the Floridas, the Country beyond that 
river perhaps we need not covet, but we must wait the pleasure 
of Government for the particulars. How will the War operate 
upon us, John Bull complains about many things, the first 
consull must meet him, they have a hard task before them, to 

satisfy all the world, work plenty now for the Scribblers, 
f * * 

While I am writing a messenger comes to inform me that 
Maria has another girl and both as well as can be expected. 
Health and happiness to you all in your retirement. 

Yours etc. 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton November 14th 1803. 
Dear Sir, 

The 20th September I was taken with a severe sickness which 
neither my friends nor family expected I could survive, but 
thanks to that Being that made and preserves us, I am spared 
a little longer. I have a tolerable appetite and walk about. 
Col. Hunt showed me your letter, I thank you for your inquir- 
ing about me. 

Before this time hope you and yours are in safety in N. 
York, and enjoying good health. 

I have not heard lately from the Doctor, what is to be the 
event of all these armaments in Europe.'' Should Bonaparte 
land in England, (and if he makes the attempt at so many 
different places as is talked of, its probable he will succeed at 
some of them) what carnage, what blood will be spilt, what 
lives lost ! 

You'll see by the papers that our little states, the Reps. 



panied his uncle John Jay on his mission to Spain, where he remained until 
1782. He returned to New York in 1784, having spent the intervening time 
in Paris, and studied law with Aaron Burr. In 1821 he was elected to rep- 
resent West Chester in the Constitutional Convention and was Chairman 
of the Judiciary Committee. 

His children were: Frances married William Heathcote De Lancey, and 
others. 



126 The Letters of Moore Furman 

having exerted themselves, have got on good Ground, I cau- 
tion them not to sleep, not even to slumber hereafter, if the 
Feds, acquiess in the present government it will be only to get 
an advantage, the Ijon crouches before he falls upon his prey. 
I received a letter the 12th Instant, a copy of which follows 
by which you'll see what is wanted to defend the suit, the 
Power of Attorney is with you, a copy of which authenticated 
I suppose is all that will be wanted. 

******* 

I am with best wishes for you and yours 

Your affectionate friend and servant 

M. Furman. 

Dear Sir, 

Lamberton February 22nd 1804. 
What can be done ! I have enquired of every one that I 
think is likely to know anything about it but can get no infor- 
mation, and have looked over all the papers I have where I 
think it likely to be, and can see nothing of it. I believe the 
first power of Attorney lost and that he did not send out an- 
other, in the mean time, expecting another, a power was sent 
to Mr. Palmer. I think John White certainly knows something 
of it, it was when John was in favour with the Doctor, and 
John and Duffield did the business chiefly, they were on the 
spot, I was not. I have wrote to him about a month ago, but 
got no answer. I wrote him again last week but no reply yet, 
has John given us up? In addition about enquiring for the 
Power I begged him to enquire about a lot that Uncle Adrian 
drew in a lottery said to be part of Bayards farm, the lot is 
said to be in Catherine Street, No 1007 a few days ago I had 
a letter from a Mr. ^"^James Abeel who wants to purchase it 

losCol. James Abeel, the son of Captain David Abeel and Maria 
Duyckinek, his wife, and grandson of Johannes Abeel, mayor of Albany, 
1694, was born at Albany, May 12, 1733 ; married March 23, 1762, Gertrude, 
daughter of John Neilson, from Belfast, Ireland, and died April 23, 1825. 

He enlisted early in the Revolution and was appointed Captain of the 
First Battalion, New York City Militia, June, 1776; commissioned Major, 
August, 1776, and with his regiment took an important part in the battle of 
Long Island. He was subsequently attached to Gen. Washington's staff 
and Deputy Quartermaster General. He resided after the Revolution for a 
while in Morristown, N. J. 

His children were: David, born 1763, married Jane Hassert; Joanna, 



The Letters op Moore Furman 127 

but on looking over the will I don't think it can be" sold at 
present which I shall give him for answer. Abeel writes me 
it will be sold for Taxes unless attended to by somebody, if 
that be so it had better be sold at Vendue provided the state 
would make a good title to it. At your leisure, pray enquire 
into the matter and let me know what can be done, several ap- 
plications looks as if it were worth something. 

Our Legislature is in Session, the Reps, have a Majority in 
both Houses and business goes on, last evening a law passed 
for amending the Constitution, a report travels about in Jersey 
that Burr will be your Governor, the man that goes between 
should not be supported by either party. 

I visited Mr. Rutherfurd a few days before he left Belville 

and was impressed with an opinion that I should never see him 

nor his granddaughter more, yes my dear sir, I looked upon 

him to be one of the best of men, inoffensive, sober, humane, 

honest. An honest man is the noblest work of God. My 

Clouded Eyes and trembling hand bids me join in your wish 

that we lived nearer together, but expect our situations are 

fixed and will not be much altered in this world. 

******* 

It is generally believed that Bonaparte will visit England. I 
dread to hear of the blood that will be spilt if he does ISTy 
purest love and best wishes for j^ourself and household 

Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton July 9th 1804. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 4th and am glad to hear all's 
well and that you are all ready to escape for the present from 
that devouring enemy that has landed on your shore: We are 
all well but myself, I stir about home and can yet ride my 
pony to Trenton which is the farthest of my travels at present. 
You see my trembling hand which discovers my unfitness to be 
abroad or I would spend a week with you. 

I went to see Mr. Rutherfurd on his return home, he in- 
formed me that he thought you were about going to the coun- 



born 1764, married Major Leonard Bleecker; Rev. John Neilson, born 1768, 
married Mary Stille. 



128 The Letters of Moore Furman 

try if not already gone. Maria was in hopes one of lier cou- 
sins would have spent this summer with her, we should have 
made her as happy as we could, it has pleased God to bereave 
me of all my children but one, His will be done, I will not 
murmur, with her I now hve and am thankful that one is left 
to comfort me. 

*^e. ilL ^ ^e. Jk ^e. 

9jr Tit yft T^ TH "Sft 

I hope the fever will be stopped at Long Island, Wishing 
you and yours safely in your retreat. Love to you all. 

Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton July 17th 1804. 

Dear Sir, 

******* 

An event that has happened at N. York since you left it, 
seems to me will have great weight in the scale of politicks but 
my ideas when I think of it are confused and leaves me in the 
dark. Is it not a melancholy thing that the art and experi- 
ence of man cannot put a stop to duelling, what alteration 
can the loss of one or both of the parties make in the preced- 
ing transactions, but it is a subject too deep for my debilitated 
state to discuss and therefore I drop it. The Publick prints 
gives us expectation of a detailed relation of the affair after 
which every one will judge for themselves. The world seems 
full of revolutions and who can say that the end is not near. 

I hope the fever near N. York has discontinued and we are 
all well and hope you and yours are enjoying health and con- 
tentment at your present home. 

With due respect for all 
I am yours 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton December 24th 1804. 
My dear Friend, 

Your favour of the 12th Instant is duly received by the mail 
and am happy to hear you and yours are well, since which 
sorry am I indeed to hear of the havock made by fire in your 
City, by which many of our fellow citizens have lost their all 
and near it in this inclement season, and even the wealthy are 



The Letters of Moore Furman 129 

put to difficulties and feel the loss. I hope however that some 
assistance will be given to all that want it, were I able would 
turn cut in their favour but am not though hope there are some 
that will. 

We are all well I am better than a year ago I ever expected 
to be, and all rejoice to hear of your intention to visit us next 
May, your gratefull Maria wishes it, she has two female chil- 
dren, the youngest beginning to walk and expects another in a 

few weeks, a boy is wanted. 

******* 

In the sincerity of my heart I return congratulation to you 
and all your fellow citizens for the Republican success in the 
choice of a President and Vice-president ; my being among the 
Electors for this state was unexpected, but it afforded me the 
highest satisfaction to be appointed to that honorary office by 
a majority of the People. It is the highest and last appoint- 
ment I expect to have. The Legislature has appointed Col. 
Hunt a General in the Militia, all honour, no L'argeant. The 
Feds are (notwithstanding several of them were appointed and 
reappointed to offices of profit) not contented, the Secretary 
of State, you'll see by our Trenton Fed. paper, complains 
heavily, you may be assured without foundation, in addition to 
the secretaryship he held, the Surrogate's office, is clerk of the 
council and has other fees, at present he as its said, receives 
$1000 a year of the Bndge Company, in short I don't think 
anything short of their getting or losing all will silence them. 

But the Horses such as you describe and we wish to get for 
Mrs. Edgar is scarce, we have however embarked in the service, 
for me I have little chance of success unless they come to the 
door for I travel but little this cold weather, but the General 
and his friends are in most places in the State, he will recon- 
noitre a few weeks and as soon as he can get any information 
worth communicating will correspond with you on the busi- 
ness. The Gen. has been forty miles up the river Delaware 
since the rect. of your letter but has not heard of anything 
worth notice. * * * 

Yours affectionately 

M. Furman. 
Coppy of Mr. Fosters letter. 
"Sir, 

"It is with great regret I have to inform you of the loss of 



130 The Letters of Moore Furman 

our worthy friend Doctor Renaudet who departed this life on 
the 14!th of last month, he by his own desire is intered in the 
burial ground of the Chappie opposite his late dwelhng. Mr. 
T. Pierce and myself attend him to the Grave as it was his 
particluar desire the funeral should be in the most quiet way, 
and early in the morning, he has left you and W. Edgar Esq 
Executors for his American Concerns, and myself sole Execu- 
tor for his affairs in Engld. The Coppy of the Will and Cod- 
icil shall be sent to W. Edgar Esq as soon as I can get it 
proved from Doctors' Commons which I have no doubt will be 
by the next Packet, and I intend sending the Trunks etc. to 
his care unless I hear from you to the contrary as I conceive 
it is the most ready conveyance. 

"T T<" " 

London 4th January 1805. 
Sir 

I have this morning received the Exemplication of Dr. 
Renaudet's Will from the Commons, which you will receive by 
the Flora, Capt. Sterling for New York. She is to sail this 
afternoon, I thought it best to send the above by the first 
opportunity that you might receive the dividends in the Amer- 
ican Funds there, as, it will save you the trouble of drawing 
on me for them. 

The following are memorandums which the Doctor desired 
me to comply with two days before his death which I have done 
and got receipts for the different articles, as soon as I can 
fully arrange the Accounts they shall be handed to you. I 
wrote you on the 7th December by the Packet. 

& remain 

Your very humble Servt. 

Thos. Foster. 

The Contents of this Book is by no means to be registered 
in Doctors' Commons or elsewhere, but Mr. Thos. Foster may 
immediately give each party what I have bequeathed them. 
1803, P. Renaudet (as soon as possible which he may impower 
Mr. Th. S. Pierce to do without loss of time in order that my 
house may be cleared). May 6th, 1803. I earnestly request 
Mr. Foster to make distribution and payments according to the 
Contents of these sheets as soon as it may be in his power, to 



The Letters of Moore Furman ISl 

which purpose he is to call on my Bankers for such Cash as he 
may require for that purpose, or if more be wanting for pay- 
ment of my debts or Funeral expense, then I would have you 
sell my 3 per cent reduced Stock. 

P. Renaudet. 

I bequeath to Dr. Fothergill of Bath, my beautiful uncom- 
monly light East Indian short cane, with a gold capped top. 
It was imported in the very first Ship that had ever been from 
this country to the East Indias, which circumstance I beg may 
be made known to him as it is in my Escritoir drawer To 
Doctor Nott I bequeath my gold headed cane. 

Peter Renaudet. 

If it should please God that I should die at the Hot Wells, 
or at, or near Bristol, I desire that my corps may be interred 
in the Burying Ground of Downy Square Chappie, after hav- 
ing been kept a reasonable number of days not less than full 
four days compleat, if possible. Let my death happen where- 
soe'er it may, it is my earnest wish and positive desire that I 
may not be buried in an ostentatious or expensive manner, on 
the contrary I would wish to be buried in as private a manner 
as Sir James Stonehouse buried his late Wife & Daughter and 
as he himself was buried that is to say in the above named 
Chappie (at any rate) if I should die at any other place than 
near the Hot Wells, I would have my Funeral without pomp 
or parade and not expensive, as I have two indigent sisters 
who are aged, and likewise numberless Nephews and Nieces most 
of whom stand in great need of my consideration. 

If I should die in or near London, I beg Mr. Foster will 
have me buried in Clement's Lane Lombard Street Church near 
my late dear friend Ingham Foster. 

Peter Renaudet. 

I don't mean to have my corps interred in Downy Square 
Chappie if I should die any considerable distance from it. If I 
should die at Bath I would be buried in some one of the 
churches there. 1800. Not in one of the Church Yards. 1802, 
I bequeathe to Elias Vanderhorst Esq. my very uncommon fine 
long Joint East India Cane it has a pinch beck head & ferrel 
to it. It originally cost me three guineas and an half, with 
out the head or ferrel to it, I mean not to tell Mr. Vanderhorst 



132 The Letters of Moore Furman 

that circumstance, I only mean by it that such a long joint is 
rarely to be met with and I return him with a thousand thanks 
his tortoiseshell hand spectacles which he gave me. To Miss 
Eliza Vanderhorst I bequeathe my 4 vol. of the American Mu- 
seum and 1 vol. Morse's Geographical Grammar. 

******* 

So I thought it right to send you the two sheets of memo- 
randa, which are exactly coppied from the originals, which are 
m his own handwriting, and which shall be sent to you if you 
wish them. The trunks and different articles shall be sent by 
one of the first ships that sail for New York. 

& remain 

Your very humble servant 

Thos. Foster. 

Lamberton Feb. 7. 1805. 
My dear Sir; 

The Doctor has left us, Hope for a better Country, after 
living to an age that but very few reach. 

Received a line from Mr. Foster yesterday Coppy of which 
you have at foot. You will please to joyn me with yourself in 
returning thanks to Mr. Foster for his attention to the Doctor 
while living and at his death, his next letters may be accom- 
panied with a Coppy of the Will and acquaint us with the 
nature and circumstances of his affairs after which we can 
take the proper steps, but you are better acquainted with his 
business then I am, and am sure will do what you think best 
therefore leave it to your managment. I fully expected a Will 
was in your Desk, he must have made one there. Believe it is 
the best way to let what is to come to America, come to N. Y. 
if you think not you will do the needfull. 

As I dont expect the young Gentleman lately arrived has as 
yet entered into any Matrimonial engagments they shall have 
my interest to come together — but your Young ladies must 
not be too longsorae or he may get impatient. 

Hear the Post will be gone, all well here I send love to all. 

Yours 

M. Furman. 

Schenectady, Feb. 27th 1805. 
My dear Mr. Edgar, 

I have just received your letter, Informing me of the Melan- 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 133 

choly news of the Death of my Uncle Renaudet which I have 
been for some time in expectation of hearing of, therefore my 
mind was prepared to sustain the shock, he was ever affection- 
ately attached to me and I sincerely lament his loss, and shall 
never cease to respect his Memory, he lived to a good old age 
and Died a Christian and respected and esteemed by all who 
knew him which is a great consolation to me. Mr. Foster was 
his very Particular Friend, and attended to the last sad Offices 
as I expected he would, I suppose it will not be long ere you 
hear again from him it will afford me satisfaction to have a 
rough copy of the will, and shall be very much obliged to you 
if you will send it to me. 

I hope you and Mrs. Edgar my Nieces and William are well, 
we are at a great distance from each other, but I have often 
heard of you all from Friends who have visited us, it will give 
me & ^"^Eweretta much pleasure if you will permit one of the 
girls to accompany their Brother Wm. to Schenectady this Sum- 
mer. I will take very good care of them. Eweretta is now at 
Albany, she is to be Bride Maid to Miss ^^''Tillotson who is to 
be Married to "^ James Lynch to Night I want to hear that 
Anna Belle is on the list of Marriages. John and Wm. join me 



109 Ewretta Constable married Hon. James McVickar, son of John Mc- 
Vickar and Anna Moore, his wife. 

He was a merchant and partner in the House of McVickar, Stewart & 
Co. of New York. 

Their children were: John A. married Eliza Bard; Mary Stewart married 
William Whitney. 

iiojanet Tillotsen was the daughter of Thomas Tillotsen and Margaret, 
daughter of Robert R. Livingston. Dr. Tillotsen came to New York from 
Maryland and died at Rhinebeck, N. Y., March 19, 1823. 

He was Surgeon-General of the Northern Department in the Revolution, 
and after the close of the war was Secretary of the State of New York 
from 1801-1807. 

iiiJames Lynch, son of Dominick Lynch and Jane, daughter of Anthony 
Lynch and Margaret Power, his wife, was born July 18, 1782; married 
Janet Tillotsen, daughter of Thomas Tiloltsen, and died Oct. 30, 1853. He 
was a prominent lawyer with offices at No. 5 Wall Street Court and became 
a well-known Judge. 

His children were: Jane Caroline; Julia M. married Rev. Stephen Olin; 
Adelaide married Louis Fitzgerald Tasistro; James; Edward married 
Elizabeth, daughter of James Strong; Margaret Augusta married Henry 
Eglinton Montgomery; Eugene married Mary C. Montgomery. 



134 The Lettees of Moore Fueman 

in love to all their Cousins and best Respects to Mrs. Edgar. 

I am with much Esteem 
Your Friend 

(Ann) A. Constable. 

Lamberton March 7th 1805. 
Mj dear sir, 

I have your letter of the 4th Inst, (or rather supposed to be 
yours, for it has no Signature) and thank you for the infor- 
mation it contains, when all the papers and property apper- 
taining to the Doctors Estate comes to hand we are to Con- 
sider what is expedient for us to do ; I need not inform you 
that we shall have Jealous Hearts and watchfull eyes over us. 
Some things may pass between us too bulky for the Mail, such 
it may be safest to Confide to "^Mr. John Neilson in N. B. 
there being a Connection forming between our Genl & him 
That Will render that conveyance convenient & Safe. You will 
please to continue favouring me with Coppys of such papers, 
and accounts of such property as come to your hands. 

Maria thanks you for your good wishes, for her and her son, 
she assures you, though his Mother, that he is a fine boy, eats 
his allowance and thrives on it, his name to be Moore Furman 
Hunt, if any room I would crowd in Renaudett. 

Love for all. 
Yours 

M. Furman. 



ii2John Neilson, son of John Neilson, M.D., and Joanna, daughter of 
Andreas and Gertrude Coeyman, was born at Raritan, N. J., March 11, 
1745, married Catherine, daughter of Johannes and Catherine (Schuyler) 
Voorhees, and died at New Brunswick, N. J., March 3, 1833. 

At the outbreak of the Revolution he raised a company of militia and 
was appointed captain of it, but in August 31, 1775, he was commissioned 
colonel of a battalion of Minute Men. He was asked to take a seat in the 
Congress which was to consider the Declaration of Independence, but re- 
fused. A copy was sent him, however, as his influence was required to 
encourage its acceptance in his vicinity. He was appointed Brigadier 
General of militia Feb. 21, 1777. In 1778 he was sent as a delegate to the 
Continental Congress, but did not take his seat. He was in the same year 
a delegate to the Convention at New Haven to devise some way of arrest- 
ing the depreciation of the Continental Currency. On Sept. 20, 1780, he 
was appointed Deputy Quartermaster General. He was a personal friend 
of Washington's, who never passed through New Brunswick without stop- 



The Letters of Moore Furman 135 

Lamberton June 14th 1805. 

My dear Sir 

******* 

I thank you for your attention to my infirmities, yes my dear 
friends I shall soon be mixed with the clods of the Valley and 
no more known to this world, it gives me however even at this 
distance, pleasure to think of our families growing up and 
mixing together in love, friendship and good offices to each 
other and if such a thing is permitted as knowing each other 
in a better world, that we may meet there. 

The Gen. is engaged among his Hay, he has for years as- 
sisted me in adjusting my affairs and is willing to continue it 
why should he not, all the little I leave is for him and his 
family, wish it was more. All well. Love to all 

I am your affectionate servant 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton September 2nd 1805. 
My dear Sir, 

^ jl& £lt aI& Afc ^ ^ 

The great "^General Moreau is arrived here with his Lady 
and two children, he says he fought ten years in France for 
liberty but was unsuccessfull, in America they succeeded. 



ping to see him. At the close of the war he succeeded his uncle James 
Neilson in the shipping business and was interested in all the public works 
of his vicinity. In 1787 he went as a delegate to the Convention. He was 
an Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church at New Brunswick 
and President of the Board of Trustees of Rutgers College. 

His children were: John Neilson, M.D., born 1775, married Abigail 
Bleecker; James, married Catherine Bleecker; Abraham Schuyler, married 
Catherine Grant. 

ii3Jean Victor Moreau, born in Morlay, August 11, 1763; died Laun, 
Bohemia, Sept. 2, 1813. He studied law, but in 1791 was appointed Chief of 
Battalion of the Rennsis Volunteers. He led the Army of Flanders in a 
successful campaign, and in 1796 took command of the Army of the Rhine 
and Moselle, defeating the enemy in frequent battles. He commanded in 
Italy in 1799 and in Germany in 1800 and defeated the Austrians at Hohen- 
linden. Arousing the jealousy of Napoleon by his military distinction, he 
was sent into exile in 1804. He arrived in New York in December with 
his wife and was received with much enthusiasm. After traveling for a 
time he settled in Morrisville, Pa., where his home was the refuge for for- 
eign exiles. Many representatives of foreign countries came to beg him 
to raise his sword against Napoleon. He returned to Europe, where he was 



136 The Letters of Moore Furman 

He has been visited by our ^^^Governor, some of the Mihtary 
Officers and private gentlemen, some won't like his politicks 
etc. I have been so long unwell and unable to mix with the 
crowd that I hardly know whether two cents are better than 
one or not, it will be out of my walk to have my money in N. 
York and troubling my friends. I don't much like the Jersey 
Banks and our Turnpikes are up in the wind, doth it sleep now 

or is it at work. 

******* 

We all join in love to all. I am and ever must remain 

your obliged friend forever, 

M. Furman. 
Schenectady, 12th Sept. 1805. 
Dear Mr. Edgar. 

I received your Letter with the estimate of my Uncle's Will 
which I am very much Obliged to you for, I have Authorized 
my Son in law Mr. ^^^H. B. Pierpont by Power of Attorney, to 



cordially received by the Emperor Alexander, but shortly after received 
his death wound at the battle of Dresden. 

ii4Joseph Bloomfield, son of Moses Bloomfield, M.D., of Woodbridge, 
N. J., was born Oct. 18, 1753; "married last Thursday evening at Fair View, 
near Bristol, Pennyslvania, Joseph Bloomfield, Esq., Major of the Third 
New Jersey Regiment, to Miss Polly Mcllvaine, 'daughter of William 
Mcllvaine and Ann Emerson, his wife,' a young lady of merit and for- 
tune," and died in 1825. 

He studied law at Perth Amboy and was licensed as Attorney and Coun- 
sellor March 12, 1774. At the outbreak of the Revolution he volunteered 
and was commissioned Captain, 1777, and promoted to Major. In 1778 
he was chosen Clerk of the Assembly and served several years as Registrar 
of the Admiralty. In 1782 he was elected Attorney General of the State. 
He was appointed Brigadier General of the militia and sent to quell the 
Whiskey Insurrection, 1794. He was the first Governor of New Jersey 
elected on the Democratic (then called Republican) ticket and served three 
terms. He also served as Brigadier General in the war of 1812, and in 
1816 was elected a member to Congress, serving until 1821. 

"A man of decidedly literary taste, accumulating a fine library. An ar- 
dent Republican and friend of Thomas Jefferson, a man of excellent quali- 
ties, respected by all who knew him." 

iiBHezekiah Beers Pierrepont was the son of John Pierrepont of New 
Haven and Sarah Beers, his wife. He was born at New Haven, December 
3, 1768; married June 21, 1802, Anna Maria, daughter of William Con- 
stable and Ann White, his wife, and died in Brooklyn, Aug. 11, 1838. 

Mr. Pierrepont was an official for several years in the Custom House in 
New York. Afterwards he became engaged in financial affairs, and in 1793 
established the House of LeflBngwell & Pierrepont. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 1^7 

Receive the Stocks etc. for me as I cannot paj a visit to New 
York this Year. 

We were all much pleased to see my Nephew William who 
arrivd here on Tuesday in good health he is much grown and 
appears a Clever Fellow, which gives me great satisfaction, he 
set off for the Springs Immediately and my William followed 
him next day, he has promised to come to us next week, when 
we shall endeavor to make him pass the time agreeably. I wish 
one of the Girls had accompanied him. we are much alarmed 
by the Accounts of the Yellow Fever raging again in N. Y. 
God Grant it may not be so terrible as report says, I seldom 
believe but half, but even that in this case is too bad. Mr. Pier- 
pont and Eweretta will set off for Brooklyn to-morrow, I'm 
rather uneasy at her going, but she promises me not to go into 
the City. I hope you and Mrs. Edgar and the Girls enjoy 
good health, you should have brought them to Balls Town this 
Summer, it was quite the seat of Fashion and Elegance, I've 
been told, myself and Eweretta have not been there this Sum- 
mer. 

Receive my best wishes for you & yours 
and believe me 

always your Friend. 

(Ann) A. Constable. 

Lamberton January 25th 1806. 
Dear Sir, 

I have received the scrip from Col. Neilson for the fifteen 
shares in the Turnpike which have the necessary indorsements 
and are herewith enclosed. I find "^Mr. Garnet was under a 
mistake about the Board not having determined to open the 
Books to former Subscribers as by enquiry it was agreed on 
early in the winter. Mrs. Hunt has Miss Edgar's letter and 
desires me to inform that she will answer it as soon as her 
nursery avocations will permit. Mr. Furman continues very 



His children were: William C; Anna C, married Gerrit G. Van Wage- 
nen; Henry Evelyn; Emily, married Joseph Alfred Perry; Frances Ma- 
tilda, married Rev. Frederick S. "Wiley; Harriet C; Mary Montague; 
Maria Theresa, married Joseph Julius Bicknell; Julia E., married John 
Constable; Ellen Isaphene, married Dr. James Monroe Minor. 

iiejohn Garnet, who came from the South to Somerset County, N. J., 
died there in 1820 at Franklin. 



138 The Letters of Moore Fubman 

much as when you last saw him except that he has rather better 
spirits, we cannot prevail on him to ride out during the fine 
sleighing as we think he would gain more strength, after his 
ride with you last spring to Philadelphia he was much better, 
by and bye when the weather becomes fine I think if you would 
give liim a hint we could prevail on him to ride a little every 
day when the season will permit. Things look dark at Wash- 
ington, what will the Torys think of Sailor's bill in yester- 
day's Aurora, those here are outrageous, they want to fight 
the French Emperor and I wish he had most of them. I am 

Dear Sir with much respect, 
Yr. O. H. St. 

Peter Hunt. 

Lamberton March 24th 1806. 
My dear Sir, 

I am yet alive as you will see by my trembling hand, but 
my stay here cannot be long. If my house were but in order 
I should be content, I must lose no time in making my peace. 

By the interposition of kind Heaven what wonders are work- 
ing upon Earth ; what a wonderful man is Bonaparte. I wish 
him success in War until he can bring about a just and equit- 
able peace for all nations, he seems now to be contending for 
and with them all. 

Our Legislature has given us a Law for a ^"turnpike from 
Trenton to Newhope in Sussex county, the only disputed 
ground will be whether it will touch Pittstown or passes by 4 
miles East of it. 



We all join in wishing you and yours every blessing. 

I am yours 

M. Furman. 



He was actively engaged in the founding of many public works, Director 
of the Delaware and Raritan Canal 1804, and a large stockholder at the be- 
ginning of the New Jersey Turnpike Co., Trenton Turnpike Co., and the 
Bank of New Brunswick and possessed much property. 

inThe New Jersey Turnpike Co., incorporated 1806 to construct a road 
from New Brunswick to Phillipsburg, passing through Somerset, Hunter- 
don and Sussex Counties. It was completed in 1809. 



The Letters of Moore Fubman 139 

Lamberton July 24th 1806. 
Dear Sir 

A "^stranger arrived among us on Friday last without a 
name, which we are desirous of supplying him with, but are at 
a loss what it shall be, a consultation was had, when William 
was mentioned, which was agreed to Nem. Con. 

Then it was debated whether he should have but one Chris- 
tian name or two, when the question was put and resolved 
unanimously that he should have two and that the second 
should be Edgar. Now Sir, if these things be agreeable to 
you we will proceed, if not, we must alter our course more 
agreeably to your recommendations. We are all as well as 
can be expected, and hope you and yours are happy and 
healthy at your retreat. My strength is wasting without much 
severe pain so that it begins to be difficult for me to write. 

I am yours 

M. Furman. 

Greenburg July 31 1806 
My dear Sir, 

I received yours of the 24th this day and I have my friend 
the General's of the 19th, I congratulate you both, with the 



iisCommander William Edgar Hunt, U.S.N., son of Peter Hunt and 
Maria Furman, was born at Lamberton, N. J., July 18, 1806. Married 
(1) Susan Elizabeth, daughter of James Clarke and Mary de Belleville, his 
wife; (2) Annie de Belleville, sister of his first wife, and was lost at sea 
in 1860. He became an orphan at an early age, and his guardian and rela- 
tive, Admiral LeRoy, secured his appointment as a midshipman in the 
Navy in 1831. He was appointed Acting Master of the John Adams, com- 
missioned Lieutenant on June 21, 1833. He was appointed as a special 
officer with Commodore Stockton in 1841, and was with him when the great 
gun exploded on the Princeton, destroying several lives. He was actively 
engaged during the Mexican War, and was especially commended for his 
services. He was commissioned Commander, August, 1855, and in 1859 ap- 
pointed to command the Levant in the Pacific Ocean. He was heard from 
at Honolulu in September, 1860, and shortly after this date a great 
typhoon was reported to have occurred in the course of the vessel, and 
nothing more was heard of the ship or her crew. 

His children were: Moore Furman, married (1) Mary Hunt, (2) Julia 
Gould; Annie, died young; Virginia Higbee married Lieutenant Peter Har- 
gous, of New York; William, died young; Aubelsue, died young; Annie 
Belleville, married Edward Shippen Mcllvaine. 

By his second wife he had: Sue Elizabeth, married Elmer Ewing Green; 
Matilda Emily, married Cleaveland Hilson. 



140 The Lettees of Moore Fueman 

happy Mother on the birth of her son, I am flattered with the 
compliment of giving him my name at full length, but is it not 
too much to heap all the honours on one side, will the Gen. 
consent without murmur, to have one son called Moore Fur- 
man, and one W. Edgar, if he does, I shall believe he expects 
a third, even then I think it is a kind condescension to our 
dear Maria. 

******* 

I enjoy health in the country but the absence of Annabella 
and Maria is a great drawback on my enjoyment, they are 
at Newport R. I, with Mrs. Edgar's sister Mrs. Read, I con- 
sented to their going in hopes the jaunt might restore my 
dear Annabella's health, and I am happy to hear it has had 
that effect, you and I, my dear friend, must prepare to quit this 
stage, and let us be thankfull for the blessings we have enjoyed 
and do still enjoy. Mrs. Edgar joins me in every good wish 
for yourself the Gen. and the Lady in the Straw. 

Yours 
W. E. 

Lamberton October 20, 1806. 
My dear Sir, 

I have your much esteem'd favour of the 27th Ult. before 
me. you are certainly right in making the second dividend 
some of the Legatees being in want — the third I suppose will 
nearly finish the business, when convenient please to forward 
the Certificate and Interest money per Mail — We have not 
heard of your return to the City — believe I must introduce the 
General to your Correspondence in matters of business here- 
after, he is a ready writer and I am almost worn out. Yes 
my dear Sir your son & his companion called to see us and I 
was quite revived to see them, the Genl. happened to be in the 
Country and did not see them, from present appearances you 
will have pleasure in future with the conduct of your son. 
Maria's children was Baptised the 11th Instant by Revd. Mr. 
Armstrong as follows. Sally Ann Hunt. Maria Furman. Re- 
naudet Furman. William E. Our assembly perhaps will drop 
Hunt at the end of my name. And then the two boys to whom 
I mean to give Pitts Town, can go into business there to- 
gether and continue fii-m of Furman & Hunt — I also thereby 
preserve the name of the Doctor wliich seems to be his desire 



The Letters of Moore Fueman 141 

by the deposit of the two, if you have any Objections or obser- 
vations to make to my plans I wish you to do it for I esteem 
the advice of a friend much in all my conduct, and want how- 
ever to say something respecting your Children, whom you and 
I love, particularly but hardly know how to introduce it, — 
Sometime ago you mentioned that you meant to appoint me 
your Execut. or one of them, that Idea is done away by a 
hand able and Willing to do better for us then we can do for 
ourselves, the last time you mentioned the matter I think 
you said you had thoughts of appointing a Gentlemen in N. Y. 
to that trust so very important to your children, what I want 
to ask of you now is to re-consider that matter, will it not be 
better to add one or two more to meet death or other accidents 
to a single Executor in which case your Estate may fall into 
hands you never intended — I could not be satisfied with myself 
without communicating this Idea to you. — for which I know 
you will excuse me — 

Agreably to my letter to John White last April I must say 
something to him ere long, do you wish anything or nothing 
said of or for you — I mean to stand or fall with you in this 
affair unless you wish it otherways. — 

You will excuse the Composition and writing of this letter 
as I can hardly Act or think as I ought. 

We all joyn in best wishes for you and yours, 

M. Furman. 

Lamberton November 22nd 1806. 
My dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 20th and am very sorry to hear 
that your health begins to fail, were we situated nearer to- 
gether we could converse conveniently, but in that respect sup- 
pose our lot is cast and we must acquiesce. I did not think 
your son was so far advanced in years, there is room to hope 
you may both live to see many happy years. The Gen. can't 
say when he will see N. York, the busy time in the country is 
come on, perhaps not before next Spring. 

I should not have troubled you with a reply to your favour 
of the 20th so early, but on account of John White with whose 
attorney you say you have settled all his concerns, (is John in 
N. York or where is he?) I wish to know if agreeable, what is 
settled and what if any thing is unsettled so that I may make 



142 The Letters of Moore Furman 

no mistake. I have not yet wrote to him nor shall not until I 
hear from you, and he is in N. Y. must the lease & release be 
given up when the order appears believe you have them, I 
never, as I remember, heard of such an order before. I will 
thank you for a line. Do with my money as you will, send it 
forward as early as convenient in January. All well but my- 
self. I weaken, wish you all well, in all conditions am your 
obliged friend etc. 

M. Furman. 



Monday June 8th 1807. 
My dear Sir, 

Maria and I have taken the liberty to open your letter di- 
rected to the G. H. that we might acknowledge the receipt of 
it and have the wished for pleasure of hearing you are all well. 
The Gen. is gone to the Genesee Newtown, State of N. York 
and not expected back for two weeks more. 

We mourn with you in silence the loss of your amiable 
daughter, our cousin and friend, if she, that had not a fault, 
is not happy, where must the wicked appear, how strange the 
thought, it cannot be, youth nor age nor anything that has 
life must loose it, death conquers all, even I must go soon, very 
soon, may we all be ready. 

I have not wrote anything but my name for some time be- 
fore, you see I make a poor hand at it. I am sorry it is not 
convenient to visit us this summer, we looked for it, Maria is 
well and in a fair way, cliildren well and promising to make 
good citizens if the present inhabitants dont break up our gov- 
ernment. You make great progress in turnpiking, but little 
doing in this state, except from hence to Brunswick, they are 
at work double times, and say it will be ready to travel over in 
a month or two. 

I hope a correspondence will be kept up among the families, 
they may be usefull to each other, and it is pleasant to have 
a friend to write to. 

I expect you are about removing into the Country, we all 
joyn in wishing you and your family all possible comfort there 
and forever. 

M. Furman. 



The Letters of Mooee Fueman 148 

Lamberton July 8th 1807. 
Dear Sir, 

I am on my return from the Northward favored with your 
letter of the 3rd Ultimo, and have noted contents, I am really 
sorry that you cannot make it convenient to pay us a visit 
this summer as we had calculated on it, and I hope that Mrs. 
Edgar, William and the young ladies, may yet take a ride this 
way during the summer even if you could not accompany them, 
but perhaps, you may on second thought incline to join them, 
which would be very grateful to us all. 

I am gratified to hear of the progress you are making in 
your turnpike, it was much approved by the Citizens in the 
Northern part of your State and there cannot be the least 
doubt but your means will be equal to its accomplishment in a 
few years. The road from hence to N. Brunswick is now open 
the Bridges are all up, part of it gravelled and in considerable 
use by common travelling as well as by regular teams that have 
commenced for the transportation of goods from your City to 
Philadelphia, and from thence to your place. I observe the 
stockholders have again put me into the direction, this I was 
entitled to as the largest stockholder in the State, having 
bought out some disconsolates, but from the expenditures al- 
ready made I find that the cost of making this road is almost 
double what was expected and what I am confident it could be 
done for if to be done again, this extra expence I am confident 
is not owing to any bad intentions on the part of the officers, 
or from the funds being diverted from their proper course, but 
from precipitate engagements for the Land, workmen, etc. of 
this Mr. Rutherford can better inform you. he was of much use- 
fulness in the board and in my humble opinion would have 
arranged the operations with more economy than the whole 
board besides, however, I am yet confident the stocks will pro- 
duce a handsome premium, and I should not hesitate had I 
funds to invest to be more interested. I find that the corre- 
spondence you opened for the Trenton Bank with the Man- 
hattan has been of great convenience to us here and if it be not 
mutual it is not for want of inclination on my part. I think 
that I informed you that it was probable that they would turn 
me out of the Direction at their last election but they did not 
make the attempt as my friends in Pliiladelphia put it out of 
their power, not that it is any great honour or profit, but 



144 The Letters of Moore Furman 

should not like to be put out of an institution that I had so 
faithfully served. 

This eventful moment calls forth the anxiety of all classes, 
I hope with the assistance of Divine interposition all may go 
well with us, but we must be prepared to act our part, I am 
much gratified to find that both parties here unite heartily in 
resisting the late or any future outrages from Great Britain, 
(with the exception of a few old tories) Should those troubles 
become serious they would injure me materially in a pecuniary 
way, as I have purchased and improved some very valuable 
property in this part of the country for which I am in part 
indebted and a depression of business would retard if not pre- 
vent my collections, I had my affairs so arranged that in a 
few years more of peace and prosperity my children would 
have had expectations inferior to none in New Jersey, however I 
must put my trust in God, and take my chance with my fel- 
low citizens. I am confident your patience will be exhausted 
before you turn over this long and uninteresting letter, but as 
it is the la^t to one of my oldest and best friends have indulged 
too long in writing it. Nothing will give me greater pleasure 
than to keep up a correspondence with William and I can say 
sincerely that I shall always feel pleasure in serving you any 
of your family when ever in my power, with my best compli- 
ments to Mrs. Edgar and family I am dear Sir 

Yours truly 

Peter Hunt. 

Mr. Furman Mrs. Hunt & the Children are all in good 
health, I think Mr. Furman with the exception of the trembling 
in his hand rather better than he was during the winter & 
Master W. E. Hunt has grown to be a fine hearty darkened 
fellow & begins to walk and to talk a little & I hope will never 
disgrace the name. Yrs Sincerely 

P. Hunt. 

Lamberton, December 17th, 1807. 
Dear Sir, 

I am favored with yours of yesterday, and am happy to 
have it in my power to inform you that Mr. Furman has so far 
recovered from his indisposition as to come from his room, he 
retains his faculties pretty well, has not much pain and toler- 
able appetite, but palsey has rather increased which has pre- 



The Letters of Moobe Fueman 145 

vented him writing or attempting to do anything or kind of 
business, he seems perfectly resigned to obey the calls of Provi- 
dence and often wishes that it was His will to take him from 
hence, his mind has been long and much engaged to make for 
such an event. 

Truly our public affairs are coming to a crisis, what will 
the event be cannot be known but to Him that governs us all 
and on Him must we rely. Mr. Furman and Mrs. Hunt join 
me with their best wishes for yourself and family. 

I am dear sir with much esteem 

Yr. O. H. St. 

Peter Hunt. 
Lamberton January 11th 1808. 
Dear Sir, 

Since I had the pleasure to write to you last, our friend Mr. 
Furman has continued to be in tolerable health, until within 
about a week he has been confined to his room and bed and has 
now become very weak and reduced, his physician and friends 
have no hopes of his recovery, he remains for the most part 
perfectly composed in his mind, and does not complain of any 
bodily pains, his greatest complaints are want of sleep and 
appetite, which has rendered him very feeble indeed. The rest 
of the family are in good health. 

That you may perceive that the Jerseymen are not asleep 
at this momentous time you have enclosed a general order and 
I trust that we could assemble our requisition on the shortest 
notice, but we are very deficient in arms and accoutrements, 
however we hope that if our men are called into actual service 
the general Government will afford us a supply. Mr. Furman 
and Mrs. Hunt join with their best compliments to Mrs. Edgar 
and family, I am dear Sir, 

Yours sincerely 

Peter Hunt. 

Lamberton February 5th 1808. 
Dear Sir, 

Since my last respects to you, our friend Mr. Furman has 
continued confined to his room and mostly to his bed which has 
reduced him very much both in strength and flesh, his mind has 
for about two weeks been much impaired and there is little 
prospect of his recovering his faculties as he has a constant 



146 The Letters of Moore Furman 

fever, we have done everything in our power for him but his 
complaint is beyond the reach of human skill. 

The accounts from Washington are not favorable as to nego- 
ciation, I fear we must come to open hostility. 
With my best wishes for yourself and family 

I am dear sir 

Yr. O. H. St. 

Peter Hunt. 

■TV c- Lamberton March 21st 1808. 

Uear oir, 

I have to communicate to you the very unpleasant informa- 
tion of the decease of our friend and relation Moore Furman 
Esq. he was taken off on Friday last, by a complication of 
complaints which have confined him to his room and bed for 
near three months. 

This event has been the cause of much sorrow and grief 
among his numerous friends and acquaintances and in par- 
ticular to Mrs. Hunt. 

I have taken the liberty to enclose you a tribute paid to Mr. 
Furman by some of his friends. they are taken from our two 
Trenton papers. 

Mrs. Hunt desires her best wishes for you and family 
I am dear sir with respect, and esteem 
Yr. O. H. St. 

Peter Hunt. 

^ ^^. Lamberton May 18, 1808. 

I am favoured with your kind letter of the 23rd March and 
contents of which we have duly considered. Mrs. Hunt and 
the other friends & relations of Mr. Furman have been much 
more composed than when I last write you altho the loss to 
many is irreparable. 

The disposition that he made of his worldly affairs I think 
was once in fact mentioned to you by me, however I trust it 
might not be unpleasant to you I have taken the liberty to 
mention, in substance the contents of the Will. The Pitts 
Town Estate was left to Mrs. Hunt and myself or the sur- 
vivors of us during our lives & then to our children or the sur- 
vivors of them when the youngest shall arrive to the age of 
twenty one years. The remainder of the estate real & per- 
sonal (except his plate to the children and a few small legacys 



The Letters of Mooee Furman 14T 

amounting to about 200 Dols. divided among his domesticks) 
to Mrs. Hunt and to her heirs and assigns for ever, she was 
left an executrix & I was the only executor and as she does not 
act the business all developed on me, but as he had been for 
years puting his house in order there will be but little trouble 
in closing his affairs. He has left a very handsome real estate, 
I think the best of this of N. Jersey and is almost unincum- 
bered, It has been selected from time to time by him and is 
most of it in good situations both for productiveness and 
raising in value & is so situated that we ought not in Justice 
to our family & Interest dispose of any part at this time if 
for years to come, as the rise of the property is considerable 
now than common interest. 

There is wanted by Mrs. Hunt and myself to clear off all 
manner of debts or claims as well from Mr. Furman's estate 
as my own about $8000 for a few years for which we would 
willingly pay the common Interest of this State which is 7 Pr. 
Cent & as the income of our property will be more than amply 
sufficient to support our family and pay the Interest on this 
sum at the worst of times, it will be punctually paid. I can 
have from the Trenton Bank to any amount that I might wish, 
but as I once told you the Directors of that Institution shall 
never have a control over me. While I am entirely independent 
of them, my influence in the board is preserved, was it other 
wise you are the best judge how the State of things would 
change. I never have or will owe them more than I can pay 
in three days, for in little Towns like ours where there are envy 
& rivalship in the same business that would not be thought of 
in a large City. 

Mrs. Hunt and the Children are well, She joins me with her 
best wishes for yourself & family & hopes that it may be con- 
venient for you to bring Mrs. Edgar & the young Ladies this 
way during the fine weather etc. — Wm. promised us a visit 
please to make my respects to him & inform him that he is ex- 
pected, we flatter our Selves that he will not be unsafe with us, 
we think our example is such as you approve — 

I am 

D. Sir 

Yrs. Sincerely 

P. Hunt. 
Wm. Edgar Esq. 



148 The Letters of Moore Furman 

Lamberton April 21st 1809. 
Dear Sir, 

I have your favour of the 22nd January last and sincerely 
thank you for your kind wishes for the recovery of my health, 
I have to lament that for the last three months past I have 
been confined to my room and bed (but without as much real 
suffering as many have to .indure) and have not until this 
written a letter or been able to attend to any business, more 
than give verbal directions. I have to be thankful since the 
warm weather has come on I feel much better, I have twice 
been out and flatter myself that if it be God's will I may soon 
get about again. The rest of our family are very well, we 
hear that you are going to have a new connection in your 
family this spring by the marriage of your son William, please 
to give my best wishes and respects to him and tell him that 
we would be very glad to see him and his. Mrs. Hunt desires 
me to make her best respects to Mrs. Edgar and all your 
family. 

I am dear sir with my best wishes for your happiness 

Yours etc. 
Peter Hunt. 



Lamberton May 10th 1809. 
Dear Sir, 

I am favoured with your letter of the 30th Ultimo and sin- 
cerely congratulate you and your family on the information it 
contains of your son's marriage and that so much to your ap- 
probation. I immediately wrote him a line and invited him 
and lady and any of his friends to make an excursion to our 
place, as a place of rest and retirement from the dissipation 
and noise of a city and we shall look for him should his lady 
not know how to accomodate herself to our plain and frugal 
habits I am confident William will make our apology by in- 
forming her that our friendship is not less sincere than that of 
many who move in the more splendid circles. 



I am dear Sir Yours sincerely 

Peter Hunt. 



The Letters of Moore Furman 149 

Lamberton July 31st 1809. 
Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you I have disposed of the other part of the 
Check as you ordered and have no doubt all is right. I hope 
William and his company may have a pleasant journey to the 
Northwest and we shall be glad to see them on their return, I 
feel much inclined to take your advice and make an effort to 
find a climate better adapted to my health, my physicians ad- 
vise the South of France, but the disturbances beginning to 
dawn from the country will prevent it. I have thought of 
Charlestown, St. Sabastina, New Orleans and Bermuda, but 
have not yet determined on any one, the winter I must avoid 
and if Providence shall answer that my health be restored I 
might be thankful, I am confined almost entirely within doors, 
and am not able to do anything active in business. Maria has 
presented me with another daughter, and is with her infant as 
well as can be expected, this our sixth, three sons and three 
daughters. The convulsion in Europe seems as if they would 
now reach us especially the commercial part, things are now 
worse than when the embargo was on in many respects. Maria 
and Sally Ann join me with their best wishes for yourself and 
family, I am very sincerely 

Yours etc. 

Peter Hunt. 

Lamberton October 2, 1809. 
Dear Sir 

I have again taken the liberty to trouble you in this way, 
merely to inform you that I have found from the difficulty of 
intercourse that I cannot get to Bermuda or Maderia, and 
have concluded to go to Charleston and remain for some time 
and if thought most advisable to proceed farther South per- 
haps to St. Augustine. Mrs. Hunt seems determined to ac- 
company me, we expect to sail the last of this month from Pha. 
in the Ship Pennsylvania packet, have you any commands that 
way if you have I would be at your service. 

This is to us a great undertaking to leave our children 
friends & property & go such a distance from them, but we 
shall leave all in very safe hands & trust that the same protec- 
tion will be over them that is always over us all, and make 



150 The Letters of Moore Furman 

ourselves as content as possible, Mrs. Hunt joins me with her 
best wishes for yourself and family 

I am very sincerely Yr. friend 

Peter Hunt. 
Wm. Edgar Esq 

Sullivan's Island, November 3rd, 1809. 
Wilham Edgar Esq. 
Dear Sir, 

I have this day received your favor bearing date the 15th 
Ultimo with an enclosure for Mrs. Reed which has been deliv- 
ered to her v/ho had received subsequent letters from you and 
they have offered us every attention and civility. At present 
we are confined to the bounds of this Island owing to the con- 
tagious fever prevailing in Charleston. As soon as the health 
of the city is restored we hope to have the pleasure of waiting 
upon Mr. and Mrs. Reed. We arrived in this harbour the 
22nd of last month after a passage of only sixty hours from 
Cape to Cape. The weather has been very changeable and 
wet ever since we left home scarcely an interval of one fair 
day; however I think on the whole I have not losst any thing 
as to health and hope, if it be the will of providence when the 
weather becomes settled that I may benefit by the change of 
Climate. The citizens of Charleston who resort here in great 
numbers in time of sickness offer us every attention. The 
Ship Pennsylvania having sailed sooner than was contemplated 
prevented our seeing your son at Lamberton which we much 
regretted. Please to tender our united thanks to Mrs. Edgar 
for her kind attention. As I am not well enough to write Sally 
Ann is my scribe who is with her Mama in perfect health, who 
join with me in their best wishes for yourself and family. 
I am 

with great respect dear Sir your friend 

and humble servant 

Peter Hunt. 

Charleston December 26. 1809. 
Dear Sir, 

Your much esteemed favor, bearing date the 25th Ultimo 
was forwarded to me by Mrs. Reed. Mrs. Hunt having lately 
written to Miss Edgar giving a pretty general description of 
our situation etc. leaves but little for me to say, more than 



The Letters of Moore Furman 151 

that we have changed our lodgings from the Hotel to private 
ones where we are as comfortable as could be expected. The 
citizens of this place, continue to be very kind and show us 
every attention. I should be wanting in gratitude, were I not 
to mention that Mrs. Reed has done as much for us, as if we 
were one of her own family. The general and his two daugh- 
ters were with us this morning, his family are all well. As to 
my health I sometimes hope it is yielding a little to the cli- 
mate but cannot say I feel much flattered by any favorable 
symptoms 1 have, however by mercy been able to preserve my 
fortitude and keep my mind easy and Tranquil prepared to 
meet such events as cannot be controlled. I have had a very 
uncommon season to contend with for this climate, however I 
think on the whole that I have rather gained Strength than 
otherwise. My scribe is much flattered with your approbation 
of her last production and hope she may continue to merit it. 
Mrs. Hunt and Sally Ann are very well and join with me in 
wishing yourself and family the compliments of the season. 

I am sincerely your friend, 

Peter Hunt. 

^ ^. Charleston March 12th 1810. 

Dear Sir, 

I had the honour to address a few lines to you by sea a few 
days past in answer to your favour of the 25th Jan. I did 
not then expect to be obliged again so soon to write to you 
nor to be the harbinger of disagreeable news. 

It gives me much pain to be obliged to say that our es- 
teemed and valued friend and acquaintance Gen. Hunt is no 
more. He died yesterday about 20 minutes before twelve 
o'clock without a groan or a struggle. It was evident to his 
friends that for the last fortnight the General was very rap- 
idly declining, and we expected his dissolution but yet hoped 
his life might be protracted till he could return home and 
again see his children but hopes were vain ! Yesterday morn- 
ing at about 4 o'clock he seemed struck with death and in fact 
to be dying ; but he recovered and M^as much better, at the hour 
of going to Church sent our coachie for little Sarah, to ac- 
company our girls to Church, when Mrs. Hunt informed us of 
the General's sad change and which was the first we had heard 
of it. Mrs. Read went immediately, and I as soon as I could 
have the coach returned, I found the General quite sensible, 



152 The Letters of Moore Furman 

entirely resigned and calm, he knew me but did not speak, but 
pressed my hand several times very feelingly, I do not know 
that I was ever more affected; he spoke two or three words 
afterwards to direct his position to be changed and finally at 
the time I have already said, went off as in a doze. I assisted 
in the mournful task of adjusting his limbs and sincerely la- 
mented his early exit. His mild manners and amiable disposi- 
tion had given him a deep interest with us all. The General is 
to be bui-ied to-day and I have ordered military honours to be 
paid to his remains. 

Mrs. Read prevailed upon Mrs. Hunt to come away from 
the melancholy scene, and she and little Sarah are with us, she 
is deeply afflicted ! tho something better and more calm to-day. 
Sarah is well. Be assured Sir that Mrs. Read and myself will 
omit nothing that we can do to blunt the effect of this heart 
thrilling stroke! We will delay our intended journey a few 
days until we can see Mrs. Hunt in better spirits and some 
prospect of her returning to Philadelphia. Mrs. Read joins 
me in a very sincere tender of respects to yourself and of love 
and best affections to Mrs. Edgar and the ladies of your 
family. 

I am Sir with very great gratitude and esteem 

Your most obedient humble servant 

Jacob Read. 

Dear Sir, April 18th 1810. 

I beg pardon for deferring so long answering your kind let- 
ter of the 12th ultimo. The letter you wrote prior to that has 
not reached me, I suppose it is lost, accept my sincere thanks 
for the extraordinary kind attention of yourself and Mrs. 
Read to my late friend Gen. Hunt and to his widow and 
daughter. Mrs. Hunt writes to Maria she cannot express in 
words her gratitude to you and Mrs. Read, at her earnest 
request Mrs. Edgar and myself intend paying her a visit, I am 
under particular obligations to Mrs. Read for her charming 
description of your plantation, I believe it will have the effect 
of making my place more agreeable to Mrs. Edgar. I shall 
place her money in the same situation with my own, our 
"^Brother Livingston is yet in the land of the living, Mrs. L. is 



iisPhilip Livingston, son of Peter Van Brugh Livingston and Mary 
Alexander, his wife, was born Nov. 3, 1740. (Known as Gentleman Phil.) 



The Letters of Moore Furman 153 

the best and tenderest of wives. She cannot fail of her reward 
in a better world. 

From William Edgar to Jacob Read. 

Trenton Jan. 8th, 1812. 
My dear Uncle, 

I have all the Fall been anxiously waiting for an oppor- 
tunity to visit you and Mrs. Edgar, but I seem doomed to be 
disappointed in all my wishes of late, 'tis long since I have 
heard from you but it is said no news is good news, which I 
hope in tliis case may prove true. I hope Maria will excuse my 
not answering her letter I shall write her soon. ^^'^Mr. Guild 
mentioned to me your having some money in your hands for 
me, will you my dear uncle be so good as to name the sum. I 
have an account to settle with the executors, and wish to ap- 
propriate that money to that purpose. I do not want the 
money forwarded, but merely to know the sum. My Maria has 
been very ill, she is now we hope out of danger, but still con- 
fined to her bed, Sally Ann is very much engaged with her 
studies, I hope she will make a fine woman, we often lament 
the distance which separates us from our friends, indeed my 
dear Uncle it would be a great comfort to me to be near you 
and your family, I feel as if alone in the world, for here I have 
not one connection but my children and they are too small to 
add much to my comfort as companions. They join me in 
affectionate love to you, Mrs. Edgar & the girls, and believe me 
when I assure you that no one more sincerely loves and esteems 
you than your affect. Niece A. M. Hunt. 



Married Cornelia, darghter of David Van Home and Ann French, his 
wife, in 1790. 

He was graduated from Kings College in 1760 and became secretary for 
Governor Moore of New York. He served as Registrar and Principle 
Surrogate. He was Trustee of Kings College, 1797-1806. 

His children were: Peter Van Brugh, married Agnes S. Houston; and 
Charles Ludlow. 

i20Benjamin Guild, son of John Guild and Abigail Howell, his wife, was 
born in 1773; married Ann, daughter of Rev. Enoch Green and Mary 
Beatty, and died in 1815. 

He was a merchant in Pittstown and later in New Brunswick. 

His children were: John, Maria, Christianna B., Elizabeth, Ralph, mar- 
ried Ellen Hunt; Charles B. Green; Ann Matilda, married Galbraith 
Stewart. 

THE END 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

Deeds and Wills in Office of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J. 

Family Bibles and unpublished letters. 

Archives of New Jersey. 

Colonial Documents of New Jersey. 

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Genealogy New Jersey, Lee. 

Collections of New Jersey Historical Society. 

General Catalogue of the College of New Jersey. 

Early Settlers of Trenton and Ewing, Cooley. 

History of Hunterdon and Mercer Counties. 

Courts of New Jersey, Field. 

History of Burlington County. 

History of Trenton, Raum. 

Monographs, Stryker. 

Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolution, Stryker. 

History of Elizabeth, Hatfield. 

History of Perth Amboy, Whitehead. 

First Presbyterian Church of Newark, Steams. 

History of Essex and Hudson Counties. 

The Combined Register of the First Presbyterian Church of 

Morristown. 
History of Morris County. 
Elmer's Reminiscences of New Jersey. 
History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties. 
History of Bergen County. 
Historical Collection of New Jersey, Barber 
Surveyors' Association of West New Jersey 
The Story of an Old Farm, Mellick. 
Historic Houses of New Jersey, Mills. 

History of the Colony of Nova Caesarea or New Jersey, Smith. 
Newspaper Extracts, 1776-1777. 
Legislative Manual of New Jersey. 
Genealogy of the Hunt Family, Weyman. ^'^ 
Genealogy of the Borden Family. 

165 



156 Bibliography 

Souvenir of the Moravian Seminary. 

History of the Trenton Banking Co. 

History of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, Hall. 

Genealogies of the Male Descendants of Daniel Dod, Dodd. 

Collins Genealogy. 

Lyons Memorial, Lyons. 

History of Sussex and Warren Counties. 

History of the Trenton Academy. 

Bonaparte Park and the Murats. 

History of Gloucester County. 

History of Woodbridge, Dalley. 

Encyclopedia of Biography, Appleton. 

First Settlers of Newton, Riker. 

Bartow Genealogy. 

History of Saratoga County, N. Y. 

Colonial Documents of New York. 

New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. 

Record of the New York Chamber of Commerce. 

Valentine's Manual. 

Year Book of the Sons of the Revolution. 

Biographical Annals of the Government of the U. S., Lanman. 

Pierrepont Genealogy. 

Gustin Genealogy. 

Old Kent Maryland, Hanson. 

Famous Families of New York. 

History of the City of New York, Lamb. 

Colonial New York, Schuyler. 

New York Historical Collections.. 

New Yorkers of the XIX Century, Van Rensselaer. 

Genealogy of the Cornell Family, Cornell. 

The Clarkson Family, Clarkson. 

Family Record and Events, Rutherford. 

The Greenes of Rhode Island, Clarke. 

Legislative Manual of New York. 

Works of Albert Gallatin. 

Archives of Pennsylvania. 

Colonial Documents of Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Magazine. 

Coxe Family, Leach, in the Philadelphia North American. 

Provincial Counsellors, Keith. 

The Sayre Genealogy, Sayre. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Ann, io8 
Abeel, David, 126 

Captain David, 126 

Gertrude (Neilson), 126 

Col. James, 126 

Joanna, 126 

Johannes, 126 

Rev. John Neilson, 127 

Maria (Duyckinck), 126 
Adams, John, 102 

The John, 129 

Sarah, 24 
Agnew, James,. 110 
Alexander, Catherine, zy 

James, 9, 2t, hi 

Mary, 27, 152 

Sarah Livingston, zj 

William (See Lord Stir- 
ling, 7 
Allegre, Sophia, 124 
Ailing, Joanna, 11 

Samuel, 12 

Sarah, 12 
Appleton, Caroline, 93 
Argyle, Duke of, 90 
Armstrong, Eleanore 
Graeme, 74, 85 

James Francis, 73, 74, 
8s, 91, 140 

Susannah (Livingston), 73 
Aurora, The, 118 

B 

Bache, Benjamin Frank- 
lin, 118 
Bank of New York, 67 
Banking Company, Tren- 
ton 5 
Banks, Catherine, 21 

David, 20, 44, 65, 66 

James, 20 

Lucetta, 20 

Mary, 21 

Mary (Ogden), 20 

Susan, 21 

Susan (Crane), 20 
Barclay, Eleanor Porter, 95 

John, 95 
Bard, Eliza, 133 

Martha, 90 
Barkley, Mary, 43 
Barton. Francis, 4 
Baskinridge, 40 
Bateman, Israel, 29 
Bates, Mary, 12 

Captain William, 12 
Batsto Ironworks, 4 
Batterson, Joseph, 12 
Bayard, Gertrude, 44 

Margaret (Van Cort- 
landt), 44 

Samuel, 44 
Baynton, Elizabeth (Che- 
valier), 75 



Mary, 75 

John, 75 
Beakes, Lydia, 68 

Mary (Trent), 68 

Morgan, 68 

Morgan (Jr.), 68 

Nathan, 59, 68 
Beatty, Mary, 153 
Beegle, Elizabeth, 28 
Beekman, James, loi 

Joanna, 8 
Beers, Sarah, 136 
Belleville, Trenton, N. J., 

10 
Belleville, Mary de, 139 
Benners, Lucas, 86 
Berry, Betsy, 38 

Catherine (Waldron), 38 

Daniel, 38 

John Mehelm, 38 

Mary, 38 

Samuel Beekman, 38 

Col. Sidney, 7, 26, zy, 
29. Z2, 33, 34, Z7, 39. 
44, 48, 49, 60 

Susan Laboon, 38 
Bethlehem Moravian Sem- 
inary, 80 
Bicknell, Joseph Julius, 137 
Biddle, Col. Clement, 3, 7, 
IS, 22, 25, 43, 44, 46, 
47, 54 

Clement, 43 

Jacob, 43 

James, 43 

John, 43 

Mary, 43 

Mary (Richardson), 43 

Nancy, 43 

Rebecca, 43 

Rebecca (Cornell), 43 

Sally, 43 

Sarah (Owen), 43 

Thomas, 43 
Biles, Daniel, 10 

Elizabeth, lo 

Joan, 75 

Langhorne, 42 

Margaret, 10 

Mary, 42 
Bill, Ephriam, 92 

Lydia, 92 
Rillins, Charity, 24 
Binney, Horace, 4 
Bispham, Ann Newbold, 108 

Stacy Budd, 108 
Blackwell, Jonathan, 29, 113 

John S., H3 
Bleecker, Abigail, 135 

Catherine, 135 

Major Leonard, 127 
Bloomfield, Joseph, 135, 136 

Moses, M. D., 136 

Polly (Mcllvaine), 136 
Bloomsbury, 4, 11 
Boats at Raritan, 34 
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 127 

157 



Bonnel, Stephen, 11 
Borden, Elizabeth, 68 

Elizabeth (Rogers), 42 

Joseph, 42, 68 

Mary, 42 

Mary (Church), 50 

Mary Ann (Conover), 42 

Nancy, 42 

Ruth (Brown), 50 

Seth, 50 

Stephen, 50 
Eordentown, 42, 48, 56 
Bordes, Jean Marie de, 86 
Bowen, Ann, 24 

Charity (Billins), 24 

Dan, 24 

Deborah (Swinney), 23 

Elijah, 23 

Hannah, 109 

Mary, 24 

Sarah, 24 

Capt, Seth, 23 

Seth, 24 
Bowes, Esther, 3 

Francis, 4 

Theodosia, 55 
Boyd, Martha, 85 
Brant, Sarah, 18 
Bray, Andrew, 29 

Betsy, 29 

Capt. Daniel, 28, 29 

Daniel, 29 

Delilah, 29 

Hannah, 29 

John, 29 

Jonathan, 29 

Mary (Wolverton), 28 

Susan, 29 

Wilson, 29 
Brigade, Capt. Brays, 28 
Bristol. 45 

Brockholst, Susanna, 9, 94 
Brown, Gideon, 50 

James, 92 

Ruth, 50 
Bruen, Sarah, 12 
Brugh, Catherine, 9 
Brunswick, 31 
Budd, Rachel, 108 

Rebecca, 108 

Thomas, 108 
Bullock, Margaret, io8 
Bunyan, Margaret, 75 
Burnet, Elizabeth, 11 

George Whitefield, 1 1 

Gertrude (Governeur), 11 

Hannah, 11 

Ichabod, ii 

Jacob, 1 1 

James, 1 1 

John, II 

Mary, 11, 64 

Mary (Camp), 11 

Nathaniel, 11 

Sarah, 11 

William, 8, 11, 12, 34 

Dr. William (Sr.). 64 



158 



Index 



Burnside, James, lo, 13, 
17, 33. 34, 37> 38, 41. 
49. 50 
Burr, Aaron, 117, 118 

Aaron, 125 

Beulah, no 

Franklin, no 

Keziah, 109 

Joseph, no 

Richard, no 

Sarah, no, 118 

William, no 



Cadwalader, Gen. George, 

. 43 
Cairncross, Elizabeth, in 
Caldwell, 12 

Elias Boudinot, 51 

Esther Flynt, 51 

Hannah, 51 

Hannah (Ogden), 51 

James, Rev., 8, 11, i-», 
SI, 66 

James B., 51 

John, 51 

John Dickinson, 51 

John Edwards, 51 

Josiah, SI 

Margaret, 51 

Maria, 51 

Sarah, 51 
Camp, Mary, 11 

Nathaniel, n 
Campbell, Rev. Colin, 90 

Martha (Bard), 90 

Rebecca, 90 
Canfield, Isaac, 51 

Sarah, 11 
Church, Joseph, 50 

Mary, 50 
Cincinnati, The, 12 
Clark, Erastus, 54 
Clarke, Annie Belleville, 
139 

Mary (Belleville), 139 

Susan Elizabeth, 139 
Clarkson, Gen. Mathew, 

in 
Clunn, John, 20 
Coale, Mary, 122 
Cochrane, Gertrude, 95 

James, 95 
Coeyman, Andreas, 134 

Gertrude, 134 

Joanna, 134 
Collins, Anna Say, 109 

Benjamin Say, 108 

Charles, 108 

Elizabeth, 108 

Isaac, 108, 109 

Joseph Budd, 109 

Mary, 109 

Rachel Budd, 108 

Rebecca, 108 

Sarah, 108 

Stacy Budd, 109 

Susannah, 108 

Thomas, 108 

William, 108 
Carmack, Mr., 72 
Cassilis, Earl of, 72 
Chapon. Matthew, 43 
Charleston, S. C., 4 
Chester, 9 
Chestnut, James, 4 
Chevalier, Elizabeth, 
75, 100 



Isabella, 100 

James, 100 

Mary (Renaudet), 99 

Morris, 100 

Peter, 100, loi 

Peter Renaudet, 100 

Rachel, 4 

Susannah, 100 
Coddington, Marv_, 58 

Sarah (Wilkini), 58 

William, 58 
Congar, Samuel, 12 
Constable, Anna Maria, 
71, 136 

Anne (White), 70 

Emily, 72 

Ewretta, 71, 133 

Harriet, 72 

Jane (Kerin), 70 

John, 70, 72, 139 

Julia, 72 

Matilda, 72 

Robert, yz 

William, 70, 71, 76, 136 

William (Jr.), 71 

Mrs., 69 
Constitution (The), 7^ 
"Constitution" (The), 78 
Continental Bridge, 55 
Continental Loan, 56 
Cooper, Abigail (Kenny), 
32 

Agnes Neaty, 11 

Constant, 32 

David, 32 

Melietabel, 32 

Phebe (Vanderhoof), 32 

Sarah, 32 
Cornell, Gideon, 43 

Hannah, 92 

Rebecca, 43 

Rebecca (Vaughn), 43 

Hon. Samuel, 92 
Cottreal, Isaac E., 83 
Cowen, Esek, 38 
Cox, Catherine, 4 

Catherine (Longfeldt), 3 

Elizabeth, 4 

Esther, 4 

Esther (Bowes), 3 

Col. John, 3, 4, 7, 10, 
14, 32, 34, 37, 40, 57 

John Bowes, 4 

Mary, 4 

Rachel, 4 

Sarah, 4 

Thomas, 113 

William, 3 

William (Jr.), 4 

Miss, 80 
Coxe, Charles, 95 

Eliza Augusta, 95 

John Redman, 4 

Rebecca, 95 

Rebecca (Wells), 95 

Richard, 95 

Tench, 95, viii 
Craig, Archibald, 5 

Mary, 5 
Crane, Catherine, n 

Daniel, 11 

David, II 

Elizabeth, 11 

Hannah (Miller), 11 

Jacob, II 

Jonathan, 11 

Joseph, II 

Phebe, n 

Stephen, 11 

Susan or Susanna, 20 



William, 1 1 
Cumin^s, John N., 12 
Crosswicks, 42 
Currie, Ann, 83 

Archibald, 83 

Catherine (Sebring), 83 

D 

Dagworthy, Anne, 35 

Mary, 122 
Darling, Mr., 21 
Davis, George, 81, 90 
Dayton, Elias, 65 

Jonathan. 65 
De Cou, Hannah, 90 

Isaac, 90 
De Tesus, Rev. Father 

Manoel, 81 
De Kalb, Baron Johann, 61 
De Lancey, William 

Healhcote, 125 
Delaware Bridge Company, 

Trenton, 5 
Dennis, Richard, 103 
D'Estaing, Charles Hector, 

Count, 21, 24, 38 
Destitution of Army, 51, 53 
Dillon, Capt, 18 
Dod, Abby, 12 

Annah, 12 

Maj. Caleb, 12 

Daniel, 12 

Elijah, 12 

Jabish, 12 

Mary, 12 

Mary (Harrison), 12 

Rebecca, 11, 12 

Sarah, 12 

Sarah (Ailing), 12 

Samuel, n 
Douglas, Alexander, 68 

Athalanah, 68 

Elizabeth (Borden), 68 

George, 68 

Joseph, 68 
Duane, Anatasia, n8 

Edward Markoe, 118 

Elizabeth, 118 

Emma, 118 

James, 72 

Katherine, 75 

Margaret Markoe, 118 

Sidney, 117 

William, 118 
Dudley. ^Tary E., 109 
Duer, William, 27 
Duffield, Eliza, 103 

JameSj 103 

John, 103 

Julianna, 103 

Mary, 103 

Richard, 103 
Duhone, Isaac, 59 

Mary Louisa, 59 
Dunlap, Thomas, 43 
Dunlop, Edward, 15 
Durham Iron Works, 11 
Durie. Thomas. 60, 61 
Duyckinck, Maria, 126 



Easton, 9, 10 
Eddy, Phebe, 17 
Edgar, .^nnahella, 6^ 

Ann (Van Horn), 67 

Daniel McCormick, 93 

Hannah, 93 

Herman Le Roy, 93 



Index 



169 



Isabella (White), 67 

Juliet, 67, 92 

Louisa, 67, 92 

Maria, 67 

Newbold, 93 

Robert W., 93 

William, 66, 67, 76, 93 

William (Jr.), 67, 93 

Mrs., 68, 69, 71 
Edmonston, Elizabeth, 93 
Edwards, Esther, 117 

Jonathan, 117 
Elderkin, Ann (Wood), S3 

Jedediah, 53 

Lora, 53 
Elizabethtown, 9, 11 
Ewing, Charles, 74, 85 

James, 83, 85 

Maskel, 85 
Elmendorf, Dr., 35 
Emerson, Ann, 136 
Erskine, Elizabeth, 10 

Robert, 10, 11 



Federal City, yT, 78 
Fever, Pestilential, 94 
Fine, Mary, 26 
Finley, Rev. Robert, 51 
Flanagan or Flanning- 
ham 
Samuel, 18, 61 
Hannah (Woolston), 18 
Sarah Jennings, 18 
Fleming, Alice, 79 
Eleanore, 79 
James, 79 
Sampson, 79 
Flint, James, 53 
Jemima, 53 
Lora (Elderkin), S3 
Royal, S3 
Sophia, 54 
Ford, Mary, 120 
Foster, Ingham, 131 
Mr. Thomas, 130 
Fothergill, Dr., 131 
Francis, Mi., 100 
Franklin, Benjamin, 123 

Governor, 120 
Frazer, Chas. Campbell, 91 
Elizabeth, 91 
Holland, 91 
Jane, 91 
Mary, 91 
Rebecca, 91 

Rebecca (Campbell), 90 
William Bard, 91 
William, 91 
Rev. William, 90 
Freehold, N. J., 5 
Frelinghuysen, Gen., 35 
French, Anna, 94 
Ann, 153 
Philip, 9 
Philip, 94 
Susanna, 9 
Furman, Adrian, 69, 70, x 
Anne, 35, vii 
Maria, 68, 139, x 
Moore, 76, vii, xi 
Mrs., 69, 71, X 



Gage, Gen. Thomas, 44 
Gallatin, Abraham Alfonso 
Albert^ 124 
Albert Rolaz, 124 



Frances, 124 
Hannah (Nicholson), 124 
James, 124 
Jean, 124 

Sophia Albertine (Ro- 
laz), 124 
Sophia (Allegre), 124 
Gamble, James, 14, 35 
Garnet, John, 137 
Gary, Samuel, S7 
Geary, Samuel, 6 

William, 91 
Gennings, Ebenezer, 53 

Jemima, 33 
Gen. Woodford's Brigade, 

45 
Georgie, Bad success in, 38 
Gibbs, Thomas S., 75 
Glaser, John L., no 
Glendenning, James, 92 
Gould, Julia, 139 
Stephen, 20, 21 
William, 21 
Gordon, Mary (Craig), 5 
Maj. Peter, s. 9. 1°. 18, 

24, 25, 26 
Susanna (Hunt), 5 
Gouverneur, Gertrude, 11 

Nicholas, 1 1 
Grant, Catharine, 135 
Green, Ann, 153 
Elmer Ewing, 139 
Rev. Enoch, iS3 
Jemima, 107, 113 
Joseph, 113 
Greene, Rev. Ashbel, 32 
George Washington, 4 
Louise Catherine, s 
Martha Washington, 4 
Mary (Mott), 4 
Gen. Nathaniel, 4, 7, 10, 



Maj. Samuel, i3 

Sarah, 12 

Sarah fBruen), 12 
Heard, Elizabeth, 120 

James, 120 

John, 120 

Mary, 120 

Mary (Ford), 120 

Nathaniel, 120 

Phebe, 120 

Sarah, 120 

William, 120 
Hedden, Abigail, 11 

Isaac, 12 

Israel, 12 

James, 12 

Joseph, II 

Moses, 12 

Rebecca (Dod), 11 

Sarah, 12 

Sarah (Canfield), 11 

William, 12 
Helme, Sarah, 15 
Hendricks, Mr., 62 
Herbert, Amy, 118 
Higbee, Rachel, 123 
Hilson, Cleaveland, 139 
Hoffman, Christiana, 36 

Cornelia, 76 
Holmes, Mary, 118 
Hooglandt, Belitje, 76, ^^, 

99 
Hooper, Elizabeth (Er- 
skine), 9 

Margaret (Biles), 10 

Chief Justice Robert Let- 
tis, 9 

Col. Robert Lettis, 7, 9, 
22, 39, 42 

Sarah, 10 _ 
Hopewell, vii 



22, 30, 40, 46, 54, 63 Hopkinson, Francis, 42 



Nathaniel Ray, s 
Grellet, Stephen, 108 
Gross, Catharine, 123 
Guest, Capt., 31 
Guild, Abigail (Howell), 

153 
Ann Matilda, 153 
Benjamin, 153 
Charles B. Green, iS3 
Christianna B., 153 
John, IS3 
Maria, 153 
Ralph, 153 

H 

Hacketstown, 32 
Haines, Jane 
Halstead, Susanna, 18 
Plamilton, Alexander, 90 

Philip, 90 

Mrs., 90 
Hammond, Sarah, 108 
Haigous, Peter, 139 
Harper, Rose, 89 
Harrison, Jabez, 12 

Mary, 12 

Moses, 12 



Elornblower, Christiana, 64 

Elizabeth, 64 

Elizabeth (Kingsland), 64 

Henry Coerten, 

James, 64 

Jonathan, 64 

Joseph, 64 

Joseph (Sr.), 64 

Joseph Coerten, 64 

Tosiah, 64 

Margaretta, 64 

Rebecca, 64 

William, 64 
Houston, Agnes S., 153 
Howell, Abigail, 153 

Ebenezer, 109 

Richard, 109 

Col. Thomas, 7, 14 
Rowland, Abbie Woolsey, 
92 

Annabella, 92 

Gardiner Greene, 92 

Joseph, 92 

Louisa (Edgar), 92 

Maria Louisa, 92 

Rev. Robert S., 92 

William Edgar, 92 
Hues, Ann, 24 



Harris, Nathaniel Sayre, 4 Hunt, Abraham, 68, 122, 



Hart, Josiah, 74 

Sarah, 74 
Hassert, Jane, 126 
Hawxhurst, Nathaniel, 108 
Hays, Bruen, 12 

Elizabeth Say, 12 

Hannah, 12 

Joseph, 12 

Phebe, 12 



123, XI 

Annie Belleville, 139 
Annie Belleville 

(Clarke), 139 
Aubelsue, 139 
Charles Dagworthy, 123 
Dora, 113 
Elijah, H3 
Elizabeth, 113 



160 



Index 



Ellen, 153 

Henrietta, 123 

Furman, 107 

James, 60, 107, 113 

James Wilson, 113 

Jemima, 113 

John S., 86 

John Wesley, 123 

Jonathan, 113 

Joseph, 113 

Maria, 107, xi 

Maria Furman, 140 

Maria (Furman), 139, xi 

Mary, 139 

Matilda Emily, 139 

Moore Furman, 139 

Nancy, 113 

Pearson, 123 

Peter, 94, 107, 113, I39t 
xi 

Philemon, 123 

Renaudet, 140 

Rhoda, 113 

Robert, 123 

Sally Ann, 140 

Sarah Ann, 107 

Sue Elizabeth, 139 

Susan Elizabeth (Clarke), 
139 

Susan, 113 

Susanna, 5 

Susanna Matilda, 107 

Theodore, 123 

Theodosia, 123 

Virginia Higbee, 139 

Commander William Ed- 
gar, U. S. N., 107, 
139, 140 

William, 139 

Wilson, 5, 113, 123 



Ingersol, Jared, 55 

J 

Jay, Eve, 124 

John, 9, 125 

Peter, 124 
Jefferson, Thomas, 121, 136 
Jenks, Hannah West, 109 
Jennings, Sarah, i8 
Johnes, Anna, 33 

Timothy, s^ 
Johnson, Thomas P., 32 
Johnston, Mary, 25, 36 

Samuel, 25 
Jones, Elizabeth, 33 

Gardiner, 33 

Sarah, 24 
Jumel, Madam, 118 



Kane, Alida, 72 
Kayadarosaris Patent, 100 
Kelly. Mary, 24 
Kemble, Ann, 44 

Elizabeth, 44 

Elizabeth (Tuite), 44 

Gertrude (Bayard), 44 

Judith, 44 

Margaret, 44 

Peter, 43, 44 

Peter (Jr.), 44 

Richard, 43, 44 

Robert, 44 

Samuel, 44 

Stephen, 44 



William, 44 
Kemble's House, Mr. 43, 

44 
Kennedy, Robert, 72 
Kennan or Kinnan, Peter, 

26 
Kenny, Abigail, 32 
Kepling, Elizabeth, 43 
Kerin, Jane, 70 
Ketaltas, Catherine, 9 
Kingsland, Margaret (Coer- 
ton), 64 

William, 64 
Kinney, Abraham, 11 

Mary Ann, 64 

William, 64 
Kinsey, Ann, 90 

Charles, 90 

Hannah, 90 

Hannah (De Cou), go 

James, 90 

John, 90 

Mary, 90 

Philip, 90 

Sarah, 90 

Thomas, 90 
Kip, James H., 64 
Kitchel, Sarah, 8 
Kortright, John, 9 

Elizabeth, 35 



Lafayette, Gen., 12 

I-ambert, Elizabeth, 10 

Lamberton, 79 

Leaman, Catherine, 9 

Leavitt, Rufus, 92 

Lee, Major Henry, 39, 46 

Leffingwell & Pierrepont, 

136 
Lennington, Mary, 9 
Le Roy, Admiral, 139 

Ann Van Horn, 92 

Anson Van Horn, 93 

Caroline, 92 

Cornelia, 93 

Edwards, 93 

Fred C, 93 

Hannah (Cornell), 93 

Herman, 92 

Herman, C, 92 

Jane, 93 

Juliet (Edgar), 92 

William Edgar, 9a 
Levant, The, 139 
Lewis, Anna Brewster, 33 

Anna (Johnes), 33 

Edward, 33 

Elizabeth, 33 

Elizabeth Johnes, 33 

Jacob Ford, 33 

John Le Conte, 33 

Joseph, 8, 14, 27, 32, 36, 

r- 37. 39 

Sarah, 33 

Sarah (Morris), 33 

Stevens Johnes, 33 

Timothy Johnes, 33 

William Johnes, 33 
Lillie, Jane Harriet, 100 

Nathaniel, 86 
Lindsley, Benjamin, 8, 36 

Elizabeth, 8 

Hannah, 8 

Jane, 8 

Jonathan, 8 

Jonathan (Jr.), 8 

Joseph, 8 

Latta, 8 



Mary, 8 

Sarah, 8 

Sarah (Kitchel), 8 

Silas. 8 

Timothy, 8 
Litjtlefield, Edward Brin- 
Jey, 5 

Katherine, 4 

John, 4 
Linn, James, 9 
Livingston, Catherine, 9 

Catherine (Van Brugh)^ 
27 

Christiana, 72 

Charles Ludlow, 153 

Elizabeth Clarkson, 9 

Henry Brockholst, 9 

John Lawrence, 9 

Judith, 9 

Margaret, 133 

Mary, 9 

Peter Van Brugh, 153, 
153 

Philip, 9, 27, 152 

Philip French, 9 

Philip Philip, 72 

Philip Van Brugh, 9 

Robert, 9 

Robert James, 73 

Robert R., 133 

Sarah, 27 

Sarah Van Brugh, 9 

Susan, 72 

Susanna, 9 

Susanna (French), 9 

Susannah, 73 

William, g 

William (Jr.), 9 
Lloyd, Harriet Brenecke, 21 
Log (ioal, 32 
Longfeldt, Catherine, 3 
Longstreth, Isaac T., 109 
Lorillard, Julia, 93 
Lott, Cornelia, 5 
Lowrey, Sarah (Spencer), 
16 

Col. Stephen, 4, 8, 16 
Lucas, Ann, 123 
Ludlow, Ann, 9 

Maria, 79 
Lyons, Capt. Abraham, 17- 
Lynch, Adelaide, 133 

Anthony, 133 

Dominick, 133 

Edward, 133 

Eugene, 133 

James, 133 

Jane, 133 

Jane Caroline, 133 

Julia M., 133 

Margaret Augusta, 133 

M 

MacComb, Helen, 31 
Maj. Lee's Horse, 39, 46 
Manhattan Company, 67 
Marchand, Elizabeth, 113 
Markoe, IMargaret, 118 
Marsh, Major Daniel, 3, 
13, 15, 20, 37, 39, 41, 
44 so, 58 

Elizabeth Ann, 33 
Marshall. Rachel, 19 
Mavrocordato, Miss, 43 
Maxwell, Ann, 34 

John, 34 

Gen. William, 34 
May, Miss Elizabeth H., gs- 
McCall, Archibald, 44 



Index 



161 



McComb, Alexander, 70, 72 

Alexander (Jr.), 72 

Catherine (Navarre), 72 

Charles, 72 

Jane, 72 

John, 72 

John Navarre, 72 
McCormick, Daniel, 70, 73 
Mcllvaine,, Ann (Emer- 
son), 136 

Edward Shippen, 139 

Miss Polly, 136 

William, 136 
McKean, Thomas, 42 
McVickar, Edward, 72 

Eliza, 71 

James, 71, 133 

John, 133 

John A., 133 

Mary Stewart, 133 
Mead, John, 12 
Meeker, Mr., 21 
Merselis, Annetje, 64 
Middle Brook, 22, 60 
Millhill, Trenton, 11 
Mills Town, 31 
Miller, Abigail, 11 

Hannah, 11, 68 
Minor, Dr. James Monroe, 

137 
Minturn, Sarah, 109 
Mitchell, Col. John, 29, 48, 
61, 63 

Randle, 85 
Montgomery, Henry Eglin- 
ton, 133 

Mary C, 133 
Moore, Anna, 133 

Hannah, loi 

Samuel, 72 
Moreaii, Jean Victor, 135 
Morgan, Ann, 7$ 

Benjamin, 75 

Gen. Daniel, 120 

Elizabeth, 75 

Evan, 75 

George, 75 

Joan (Biles), 75 

John, 75 

"Maria, 75 

Mary, 75 

Mary (Baynton), 75 

Thomas, 75 
Morrell, Charles H., 33 
Morris, Deborah, 108 

Helena, 117 

Lewis, 117 

Margaret, 109 

Mary (Walton), 109 

Sabina, 117 

Robert R., 93 
Morrison, 35 

Samuel, 36 
Morristown, 3 
Morse, Phebe, 11 
Mott, Jacob, 4 

James, 118 

Rest, 4 
Mount, David, 113 
Mount Holly, N. J., 4 
Munro, Eve (Jay), 124 

Frances, 125 

Rev. Henry, 124 

Margaret (White), 124 

Peter Jay, 124 
Mutual Insurance Com- 
Company, 67 

N 

Navarre, Catherine, 72 



Neilson, Abraham Schuy- 
ler, 135 

Catheine (Voorhees), 134 

Gertrude, 126 

James, 135 

John, Col., 31, 126, 134 

John, M.D., 13s 
Nielson, William, 27 
New Market, 30 
New Mill, 4 
Newtown, L. I., vii 
Nicholson, Hannah, 90, 124 

Commodore James, 124 
Nicoll, Elizabeth, 92 
Nightingale, John Carlis, 4 
Nugent, J. A., 5, 54 

O 

Oarke, Anna Maria, 5 
Ogden, Hannah, 51 

Hannah (Sayre), 51 

John, 51 

Josiah, 20 

Mary, 20 
Olin, Rev. Stephen, 133 
Osborne, Ann, 86 

Elizabeth, 86 

Eraser Mathews, 86 

George Lucas, 85 

George Renaudet, 86 

Isabelle, 86 

Jane, 86 

Jane (Renaudet), 85 

Mary Grace, 86 

Robert, 86 

Russell, 86 
Owen, Sarah, 43 



Paget, Mary, 85 
Palmer, Berriah, 103 

Elias, 103 

George, 103 
Park, Plukemin, 6 
Park, The, 8 

Parker, Catharine Alexan- 
der, III 

Elisha, III 
Parks, Miss, 113 
Pascault, M. J. G., 124 
Paulus Hook, 12 
Payne, Isaac Bunnell, 38 
Pearsall, Robert, 108 
Pearson, Charles E., 81 

Robert, 122 

Theodosia, 122 
Pennington, Samuel, 12 
Perrine, Abigail, 33 
Perry, Joseph Alfred, 137 
Perry, Rest, 4 
Pettit, Andrew, 54, vii 

Charles, 20, 34, 54, 59, 
vii 

Charles (Jr.), 55 

Dinah, 54 

Elizabeth, 55 

Sarah (Reed), 55 
Phillips, Rebecca, 31 
Pierrepont, Anna C, 137 

Anna Maria (Constable), 
136 

Ellen Isaphene, 137 

Emily, 137 

Frances Matilda, 13? 

Harriet C, 137 

Henry Evelyn, 137 

Hezekiah Beers, 71, 136 



John, 136 

Julia E., 137 

Maria Theresa, 137 

Mary Montague, 137 

Sarah (Beers), 136 

William C, 137 

Mrs., lOI 
Pierson, Elizabeth, 18 

Lemel, 18 

Tabor, 12 
Pike, Capt. Zebulon, 49, 50 

Zebulon Montgomery, 49 
Pittstown, N. J., 13, xi 
Plukemin, 6, 26, 34, 37 
Pommeroy. John, 7, 27 
Pompton, 26, 34 
Potter, James, 103 
Power, Margaret, 133 
Price, Susanna, 5, 113 
Princeton, 60 
Provoost, Maria, 94 

Mary Spratt, 1 1 1 

Theodosia Stillwell, 118 
Provost, David, 27 

Mrs., 27 



Queen's Rangers, 30 
Quibble Town, 30, 31, 32 

R 

Rapelje, Ann (Currie), 83 

Archibald Currie, 83 

Catherine, 83 

Elizabeth, 83 

Richard, 83 

Richard, Major, 83 
Ray, Phebe, 4 
Raymond, Mr., 58 
Read, Jacob, 152 
Reed, Andrew, 55, xi 
Reeves, Tappan, 118 
Remsen, Caroline, 93 
Renaudet, Adrian, 77, loi 

Ann, 70, 76, loi, X 

Belitje (Hooglandt), 76 

Elizabeth, loi 

James, 76, 77, 101 

Jane, 85 

Janeke, loi 

John R., loi 

Mary, 99, loi 

Peter, loi 
Resignation of Q. M. G., 

47 
Rhea, Ann, 62 

David, 62 
Rhinelander, Eliza L., 93 

Ellen, 93 
Reed, Sarah, 55 

Theodosia (Bowes), 55 
Richardson, Mary 43 
Ridley, Mathew, 9 
Ringwood Iron Works, 11, 

20 
Rittenhouse, Edward, 29 

Elisha, 29 

Jonathan, 29 

Sarah, 29 
Robertson, Robert S., 51 
Rochambeau, 21 
Rodgers, Hannah, 8 

Phebe, 8 
Rogers, Elizabeth, 42 

James, 38 
Rolaz, Sophia Albertine, 

Roosevelt, Cornelia (Hoiff- 
man), 76 



162 



Index 



Isaac, 76 

Maria, 76 
Ross, Susanna, 11 

William, 103 
Rossell, Gen. Zachariah, 68 
Rutgers, Anthony, 1 1 
Rutherford, Anna, 117 

Catharine (Alexander), 
117 

Helena (Morris), 117 

James Alexander, iii 

John, III, 117 

iohn. Sir, iii 
ouisa, 117 
Mary, in 
Robert Walter, 117 
Susan, 117 
Walter, in, 117 



St. Patrick's Society, 67 
Salisbury Plain, The Shep- 
herd of, lOI 
Sandy Point, 31 
Sargent, Samuel, 120 
S^y, Elizabeth, 12 
Sayre, Anne, 11 
Hannah, 51 



Theodosia, 95 
Schanck, John I., 



49 



Schuyler, Catherine, 134 

Elizabeth, 90 
Sebring, Catherine, 83 
Shaw, Ann Marston, 81 

John, 81 
Shute, George, 24 

William, 24 
Simcoe, Commander, 31 
Simcoe's Raid, 30 
Singer, Rebecca, 109 
Six Nations, 10 
Skipwith, Peyton, 5 
Spencer, Elihu, 16 

Sarah, 16 
Smith, Andrew, 74 
Benjamin, 74 
James R., 51 
Richard Morris, 108 
Sarah (Hart), 74 
South Amboy, 30 
Springfield, N. J., 3 
Squabbletown, 30 
Stevens, B. K., 124 
John, 4 
M. L., 124 
Stewart, Charles, Col., 7, 

25, 26 
Galbraith, 153 
Martha, 26 
Mary (Johnston), 25 
Matilda W., 92 
Robert. 25 
Samuel, 26 
Stiles, Jemima, 8 
Stille, Mary, 127 
Stirling, Lord, 7, 27, 30, 32 
Stites, Sarah, 24 
Stockton, Commodore, 139 
Elizabeth, 32 
Helen (MacComb), 31 
James, 32 
job, 32 
Ebenezer, 32 
Lucius W., 95 
Mary, 32 
Nancy, 32 
Rebecca (Phillips), 31 



Richard, 117 
Robert, 31, 60 
Samuel Witham, 4 
Stonehouse, Rev. Sir James, 

lOI 

Strong, Elizabeth, 133 

James, 133 
Sturup, Mrs. Mary, 93 
Stuyvesant, Peter Gerard, 

117 
Suckasunny, 2^ 
Sufferans, 10 
Sugar House Prison, 12 
Sullivan's Army, John, 

Gen., 10, 12, 21, 24, 31 
Swinney, Deborah, 23 
Symmes, John Cleves, 9 



Tagart, Jacob, 18, ig; 20, 
23 

Elizabeth, 20 

Rachel (Marshall), 20 

Richard, 20 
Tasistro, Louis Fitzgerald, 

133 
Thompson, Elizabeth, 75 

James, Col., 7, 60 
Tillotson, Janet, 133 

Thomas, 133 
Tompkins, Mr., 71 
Tontine (Zoffee House, 67 
Turner, George, 100 
Trent, Ann, 58 

Chief Justice, 58 

John, 59 

Martha, 59 

Mary, 59, 68 

Mary (Coddington), 58 

Sarah, 59 

William (Jr.), 58 

William, Major, 58 
Trenton School Company, 

^ . 72 

Tuite, Elizabeth, 44 
Turner, Henry E., 5 
Turnpike Co., The New 
Jersey, 138 

V 

V^ail, Elizabeth Smith, 13 
Van Brugh, Catherine, 27 
Van Court, Elias, 24 

Elizabeth, 24 

Mary (Kelly), 24 

Michael, 24, 33, 41 
Van Courtlandt, Eve, 124 

Margaret, 44 

Philip, Col., 12 

Pierre, 12 
Vanderhorst, Elias, 131 
Vanderhoof, Phebe, 32 
Van Horn, Abraham, 94 

Ann, 67, 94 

Ann (French), 153 

Cornelia, 153 

David, 67, 94, 153 

Jacob, 120 

Maria (Provoost), 94 
Van Vechten, Margaret, 1 1 
Van Wagenen, Gerrit G., 

Van Wyck, Mrs. 51 
Varrick, Maria (Roose- 
velt), 76 
Richard, 76, 77 



Vaughn, Rebecca, 43 
Vilhena, Lady Dona Guio- 
mar Magdalena de 
Sade, 81 
Voorhees, Catharine, 134 
Catherine Schuyler, 31 
Johannes, 31, 134 
Peter, Capt., 31 
Vredenburg, Rev. John, 51 

W 

Waldron, Catherine, 38 
Daniel, 38 

Joanna (Beekman), 38 
Wallace, Rebecca, 11 
Walton, Mary, 117 
Washington, General, 4, 10, 
18, 20, 23, 26, 27, 32, 
50, 57, 80, 102 
Water Works, Trenton, 5 
Watkins, John, 9 
Watson, Marmaduke 42 
Watts, John, 117 

Robert, 27 
Webster, Daniel, 92 
Wells, Rebecca. 95 
West Indies, Count's Re- 
turn to, 38 
West, Mary, 29 

Thomas, 29 
White, Ann, 70, 76, 136 

Anne (Renaudet), 70, 75 

Henry, 124 

Isabella, 67, 76 

James, 76 

John, 76, 77 

Margaret, 124 

Sarah, 76, 107 

Townsend, 67, 70, 76, 78, 

lOI 

White House, 34, 38 
Whitney, William, 133 
Widdle, Mary, 43 
Wiley, Rev. Frederick S., 

137 
Wilkins, Sarah, 58 
Williams, Christiana, 43 

Lois, 12 
Williamson, Mathias, Maj., 
17, .18, 44, 56, 57 
Mathias, Gen., 18 
Mrs., 58 

Susanna Halstead, 18 
William, 58 
Wilson, Judge, 26 

Robert, Capt., 26 
Witter, Frances, 124 
Wolcott, Fred H., 92 
Woodbridge, Dudley, 75 
Woodhull, Rev. Nathan, 33- 

Sophia, 33 
Woolsey, Mary E. W., 92 
Woolston. Hannah, 18 
Woolverton, Mary, 28 
Wood, Ann, 53 
Woodford, CJen. William, 
45 



Yard, Elizabeth, 35 
Furman, 31, 35, 82 
James, 35 
Joseph, 31;, vii 

Yorktown, 12 

Young, Capt. Henry, 7, 27,. 
33 



^B 15 ^912 




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